Carer support for people with learning disabilities attending annual health checks in UK primary care: a qualitative interview study
Carer support for people with learning disabilities attending annual health checks in UK primary care: a qualitative interview study
Background: people with learning disabilities experience significant health inequalities, including poorer physical and mental health and reduced life expectancy. Primary care provides annual health checks, but quality is variable and experiences are mixed. The aim of this work is to explore how carers support people with learning disabilities to attend their health check, to understand and implement their health plan, and to manage their health afterwards.
Methods: qualitative semi-structured telephone/online interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 19 professional and family carers, varied according to age, gender, ethnicity and carer experience. Participants were recruited through community groups, charities, social media, and through word of mouth. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: carers emphasised the need for individualised, tailored approaches that reflect each person’s unique needs, known health risks, and long-term wellbeing. Experiences were generally positive especially where continuity, familiarity, and staff training in learning disabilities were evident, but carers would like more information and guidance to support implementation of health plans. The multifaceted role of organiser, supporter, advocate, and facilitator makes the carer an important and pivotal partner in the annual health check, but their own wellbeing and health needs are often overlooked.
Conclusions: carers need to balance their roles to promote patient agency and independence, whilst ensuring that healthcare needs are communicated, understood and acted upon. This complex positioning highlights the critical importance of recognising and supporting carers in their diverse roles during annual health checks and supporting subsequent self-management.
Vennik, Jane
6ee78166-5a7a-433b-87fc-018771f20b19
10 December 2025
Vennik, Jane
6ee78166-5a7a-433b-87fc-018771f20b19
Vennik, Jane
(2025)
Carer support for people with learning disabilities attending annual health checks in UK primary care: a qualitative interview study.
2025 UK Seattle Club Conference on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, , Canterbury, United Kingdom.
10 - 11 Dec 2025.
Record type:
Conference or Workshop Item
(Paper)
Abstract
Background: people with learning disabilities experience significant health inequalities, including poorer physical and mental health and reduced life expectancy. Primary care provides annual health checks, but quality is variable and experiences are mixed. The aim of this work is to explore how carers support people with learning disabilities to attend their health check, to understand and implement their health plan, and to manage their health afterwards.
Methods: qualitative semi-structured telephone/online interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 19 professional and family carers, varied according to age, gender, ethnicity and carer experience. Participants were recruited through community groups, charities, social media, and through word of mouth. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: carers emphasised the need for individualised, tailored approaches that reflect each person’s unique needs, known health risks, and long-term wellbeing. Experiences were generally positive especially where continuity, familiarity, and staff training in learning disabilities were evident, but carers would like more information and guidance to support implementation of health plans. The multifaceted role of organiser, supporter, advocate, and facilitator makes the carer an important and pivotal partner in the annual health check, but their own wellbeing and health needs are often overlooked.
Conclusions: carers need to balance their roles to promote patient agency and independence, whilst ensuring that healthcare needs are communicated, understood and acted upon. This complex positioning highlights the critical importance of recognising and supporting carers in their diverse roles during annual health checks and supporting subsequent self-management.
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Published date: 10 December 2025
Venue - Dates:
2025 UK Seattle Club Conference on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, , Canterbury, United Kingdom, 2025-12-10 - 2025-12-11
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Local EPrints ID: 508978
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/508978
PURE UUID: 1988a38e-db45-4478-86e3-fb952bf7172b
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Date deposited: 09 Feb 2026 17:44
Last modified: 10 Feb 2026 03:01
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