Mental health & communication difficulties
Mary Smith is 42 years old. She has a learning disability and was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. Mary can hold a conversation and but her speech is not clear and it can be difficult for people who do not know her well to understand her. However she has a good level of understanding and can understand most of what is said to her if people speak to her slowly, clearly and do not give too much information at once. She does get upset at times when trying to communicate with people proves difficult.
Mary spent many years living in various types of residential accommodation but has spent the last 3 years living independently with her boyfriend who also has a learning disability. They receive 9 hours support each week from the local social services community support team who support them both with tasks such as cooking meals, shopping, finances, budgeting and literacy needs.
Mary has some mental health problems which she currently receives ongoing support and treatment through the Consultant Psychiatrist therefore has had little contact with her GP surgery. Mary receives a letter and asks the support worker during one of her visits to read the letter to her. The letter is an invitation to attend her GP surgery for a cervical smear test. The support worker arranges the appointment but did not check out with Mary whether she understood the reason for the appointment.
Mary attended the GP surgery for her appointment and met with the practice nurse. The practice nurse tried to discuss with Mary what she understood about the smear test. Communication between the two was difficult, as they did not know each other. The practice nurse concluded that Mary was unable to consent and probably did not need to have the cervical smear test. Mary became upset and refused to leave the surgery, as she was aware she had come for a test even though she did not know what the test was for. Mary finally left the surgery when a further appointment was given to her to attend again.
What could have made this a better experience for?
The patient
The practice nurse
The other staff within the GP practice
In terms of:
Environment
Communication
Support
Resources
The consultation or health check or treatment
