Physical Health Issues in People with Intellectual Disability and Mental Health or Behavioural Difficulties

As this is a programme, each module is available to buy as a stand alone mini course. Below is a breakdown of each individual module.

This programme consists of 12 modules, and awards 12 hours’ accredited CPD by the College Of Mental Health Pharmacy.

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Module 1: Overweight & Obesity

During this module you will cover a number of lessons that will provide an overview of the epidemiology of obesity in people with intellectual disability and co-existing mental health or behavioural difficulties. You will also explore the link between obesity and psychotropic medication and the appropriate interventions.

Illustration of the human digestive system, highlighting the esophagus and rectum

Module 2: Constipation

During this module you will cover a number of lessons that will provide an overview of the causes and management of constipation in people with intellectual disability and co-existing mental health or behavioural difficulties.

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Module 3: Cancer & Learning Disability

During this module you will cover a number of lessons that will provide an overview of the prevalence of the most common forms of cancer, with a specific focus on the health inequalities and barriers faced by people with learning disabilities in accessing screening and treatment.

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Module 4: Psychotropic Medications In People With An Intellectual Disability

The content of this module is split into 2 parts:

Part One - Prescribing Psychotropic Medication for People with an Intellectual Disability

Part Two - Physical Health Monitoring for People with an Intellectual Disability who have been Prescribed Psychotropic Medication

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Module 5: Hypothyroidism In Intellectual Disability

During this module you will cover content that will provide an overview of hypothyroidism, a chronic health condition which causes physical, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. You will learn how to pick up on signs of hypothyroidism in people you support, how to organise testing hypothyroidism, and the additional support people with intellectual disabilities and hypothyroidism might need to manage their condition.

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Module 6: Dysphagia

This module explores the causes and consequences of swallowing difficulties for people with intellectual disabilities. In this module, you will learn about the normal swallow, the impact of problems at each stage, and the way these may present in people with intellectual disabilities.

Illustration of a tooth with a bright yellow sun shining on its upper right side

Module 7: Oral Health

This module explores the causes and consequences of oral health problems for people with intellectual disabilities. In this module, you will learn about normal oral health, the impact of problems at each stage, and the way these may present in people with intellectual disabilities.

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Module 8: Menopause

During this module, you will explore an overview of menopause, a natural stage in the aging process for women, which can lead to a wide range of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms. You will learn how to identify signs of menopause in the people you support, and how to provide personalised support to help individuals with intellectual disabilities manage the effects of menopause in their daily lives. The module will also highlight the importance of healthcare professionals recognising menopause as a potential contributing factor when assessing mental health concerns, behaviours that challenge, and cognitive changes.

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Module 9: Diabetes

This module introduces the types and management principles of diabetes with a focus on people with intellectual disabilities (ID). It outlines the unique risks, challenges and health inequalities experienced by this population.

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Module 10: Sepsis Amongst People with a Learning Disability

This module explores the presentation of sepsis among people with intellectual disabilities. In this module you will learn what sepsis is, how to look for and recognise signs of suspected sepsis and how to respond. You will also learn about the dangers of diagnostic overshadowing and the importance of making reasonable adjustments.

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Module 11: Epilepsy

Epilepsy is very prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities. Those with ID and epilepsy have high rates of epilepsy complications, including premature death and SUDEP.

This module will define epilepsy, outline types of seizures, signs and phases of seizures. The safe and effective management of epilepsy using medication, psychosocial interventions, risk assessment and care planning is outlined.

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Module 12: Pneumonia in Intellectual Disability

This module explores the causes and consequences of pneumonia for people with intellectual disabilities. In this module, you will learn about the process of pneumonia, the impact of problems at each stage, and the way these may present in people with intellectual disabilities.

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You can access these modules on a Pay As You Go basis on our Learning Management System. Select the button below to register and purchase.

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