Australian and overseas research indicates that people with intellectual disability have higher mortality rates and a greater frequency of health problems than others in the general population. Despite a high level of contact with medical and other health services, many health conditions remain undiagnosed or under-treated in this group.

The Centre for Developmental Disability Studies (CDDS) has been commissioned by NSW Health to develop a number of strategies that will assist General Practitioners and other health professionals to deliver better health care to people with an intellectual disability.

The Project includes:

Guidelines and Health Assessment Tool:

The development of Guidelines for General Practitioners, and a Health Assessment Tool That GPs can use to identify and address the health needs of people with intellectual disability.

GP professional development activities:

These are based on the Guidelines and Health Assessment Tool, and will be offered to GPs through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Divisions of General Practice in 2005.

Information line:

CDDS has established an information line for General Practitioners who may wish to seek advice on health matters for people with intellectual disability.

Training for other Health Professionals:

Some training will also be offered to Clinical Nurse Consultants and Community Health professionals