Caring for autistic patients and those with learning disabilities or complex needs in the ED

An updated one-day online study day looking at the barriers to healthcare and resultant health inequalities faced by neurodivergent patients and those with a learning disability in the ED. Highlighting some of the big issues, the legal implications, and practical steps you can take to improve care. Co-produced with patients and their families, and including a wide range of expert speakers.

Building on the mandatory Oliver McGowan training and designed with ED in mind. Health inequalities for patients with learning disability is in the NHS long term plan and is the subject of a current NCEPOD enquiry. HSIB paper from 2023 and NCMD paper from 2024 also highlighted areas of acute and emergency care that can be improved upon.

Please note, registration for this event will close at 08:00 on Tuesday 19 May.

Learning objectives:

• Highlight the health inequalities faced by autistic patients, patients with a learning disability and those with complex needs relevant to ED care
• Identify the reasons for these health inequalities
• Share ideas, resources and suggestions for improving care
• Hear from patients and family members about their experiences and learn how to work collaboratively with them to improve outcomes
• Consider ways to support neurodivergent colleagues

SLOs covered: 1, 5, 7, 11

GMC domains covered: 1, 3, 4

Who should attend?
Anyone who works in Emergency Medicine. Everyone in the ED comes across patients who have a learning disability, autistic patients and those with complex needs. Content will be relevant to those who have never consider this area of practice, at all grades and health professions, but also designed to challenge thought and stimulate discussion for those with prior experience. New speakers and some different sessions this year, so also relevant to those who may have attended before.