Experiences of using a health community team service for people with a learning disability

Aim: To investigate the views of people with a learning disability on their experiences of the community team for people with a learning disability (CTPLD ) that is designed to meet their health and social care needs. Method: Two focus groups were held with people who have learning disabilities. A flip chart with photographs of the CTPLD members, pictures and vignettes about how people use the team’s services and a semi-structured interview schedule were used to ask participants about which healthcare professionals they had seen, what they had found helpful about the CTPLD and ideas for changes to the service. Findings: Participants identified positive areas of practice as well as areas for improvement. Participants reflected on their relationship with the team as well as individual professionals. Conclusion: The involvement of people with learning disabilities in the planning and development of the services that they receive should be an important focus for organisations. Participants’ suggestions enable the team members to improve the services they provide to people with a learning disability