Referrals to a Learning Disability Service and Consent to Treatment Available to Purchase

This study investigates the current practice of referrers with regard to consent to treatment of adult patients who have learning disabilities. It addresses specifically referrers' awareness of any guidelines on consent, whether they obtain consent before referral and, if so, whether and how they keep written records on gaining consent. Professionals who had referred an adult patient to the Community Team Learning Disability (CTLD) in Newcastle in the last two years were sent a postal questionnaire. The results of the questionnaire are being used to gain better understanding of present practice among referrers and to provide local guidelines on gaining consent in line with recommendations from the Department of Health.