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NHS Education for Scotland

A skilled and sustainable workforce for a healthier Scotland

Learning disability

The Scottish Government sets out their ambition for people with learning disabilities in the revised Keys to Life Implementation Framework.

The vision is for a creative, open and connected nation in which people with learning disabilities are empowered to: live healthy and active lives, learn to reach their full potential, participate in an inclusive economy and contribute to a fair, equal and safe Scotland.

We wholeheartedly support these aspirations but would wish to highlight the need to continue to develop the workforce in health and social care services to achieve this. This is particularly relevant in relation to physical health needs, emotional wellbeing, mental health needs (including trauma) and behaviour that challenges services.

People with learning difficulties can find the current pandemic particularly challenging. For staff supporting them Turas Learn has some useful additional information and resource.

Educational frameworks

Supporting psychological wellbeing in adults with learning disabilities [PDF] - An educational framework on psychological interventions for practitioners working with adults with learning disabilities in Scotland.

As indicated in the framework this is underpinned by Equal health [PDF] - An educational framework on Health Equalities for People with Learning Disabilities for all practitioners working with people with learning disabilities: a human rights-based approach, produced by the Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Directorate (NMAHP) in NHS Education for Scotland.

Please find additional education resources produced by NMAHP which can be used to support implementation of these frameworks.

eLearning modules

To access the e-learning modules learners will first have to register on the NHS Education for Scotland learning platform, Turas.

BeatIt: Introduction to an adapted behavioural activation intervention for people with intellectual disabilities and depression (Course duration – 60 minutes)

This course uses a number of approaches, including film of therapy, to help you gain:

  1. Background knowledge of the adapted behavioural activation therapy called ‘BeatIt’, for people with intellectual disabilities and depression
  2. Knowledge of the preparations required before delivering the therapy
  3. Knowledge of some of the main issues involved in delivering BeatIt

You will also be able to download a copy of the therapy manual and materials.

StepUp: Introduction to an adapted self-help intervention for people with intellectual disabilities and depression (Course duration – 60 minutes)

This course uses a number of approaches, including film of therapy, to help you gain:

  1. Background knowledge of the adapted self-help therapy called ‘StepUp’, for people with intellectual disabilities and depression
  2. Knowledge of the preparations required before delivering the therapy
  3. Knowledge of some of the main issues involved in delivering StepUp

You will also be able to download a copy of the therapy manual and materials.

 

Last updated: 27/09/2020

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Mental health, learning disabilities and dementia (NMAHP)

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