Emphasising the essential role of the learning disability nurse in acute care: a case study
To reflect on the vital advocacy role of learning disability nurses in challenging assumptions and supporting equitable care in acute hospital settings
To recognise the effect of diagnostic overshadowing, a lack of family involvement and the absence of clinical curiosity in the care of patients with learning disabilities and complex needs
To reinforce the argument for supporting the acute learning disability liaison nurse role as being essential to person-centred care
Despite well-documented ongoing national efforts to improve experiences and outcomes for people with learning disabilities in acute hospitals across the UK, significant care failings persist. The role of the registered learning disability nurse, particularly the acute learning disability liaison nurse, remains central to addressing these inequities. This case study explores the experience of one individual with profound learning disabilities and complex health needs, whose presentation during multiple hospital admissions was misinterpreted, leading to suboptimal care. The case demonstrates the challenges of diagnostic overshadowing, dismissal of family advocacy and a lack of clinical curiosity. The learning disability liaison nurse’s role in advocating for person-centred, informed and reflective practice in acute care is emphasised throughout. This article encourages learning disability nurses to continue supporting acute care colleagues to think critically and holistically and reinforces the urgent need to retain the learning disability nursing workforce.
