Primary health care for people with an intellectual disability: an exploration of consultations, problems identified, and their management in Australia.

Abstract

People with an intellectual disability (ID) have more complex and different patterns of health care needs than the general population. They experience a greater burden of multi-morbidity, high levels of undetected and unmanaged health issues, and premature mortality than the general population. Primary care has a key role in the health care of people with an ID. Currently, very little is known about the consultation type and length, problems managed, and how general practitioners (GPs) manage these problems for people with an ID compared with the general population. This information would provide valuable insights into how GPs are achieving the health guidelines and facilitating people with an ID to achieve the highest attainable standard of health.