The role of all nurses in improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities

What is it about?

This brief paper sets out a case for all nurses (not just intellectual disability nurses) having a key role to play in improving the health of people with intellectual disabilities. It argues that the needs of people with intellectual disabilities should be included in all nursing courses and that more nursing research should be undertaken in relation to such needs.

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Why is it important?

People with intellectual disabilities experience many inequalities in health and are at risk of dying earlier than the wider population. However, many of these deaths are avoidable and nurses can do much to change this situation. It is important that action is taken to ensure that nurses are equipped to better recognise and address the health needs of people with intellectual disabilities.