Enhancing care for older people with learning disabilities in the emergency department

Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) result in longer hospital stays, higher rates of adverse events and increased mortality. In overcrowded EDs, older people with learning disabilities are particularly at risk of negative outcomes, partly due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of their needs among staff. This article examines the unique health challenges experienced by people with learning disabilities and discusses systemic issues in EDs which can lead to poor care for this vulnerable patient group. The authors provide some essential nursing considerations when caring for this patient group in the ED, including adapted communication, shared decision-making and reasonable adjustments that can ensure effective, person-centred care.