Health Equality Framework shows promise in improving service users’ well-being
The Health Equality Framework (HEF) is a tool that records the work of learning disability clinicians to address the health inequalities experienced by a person with learning disabilities. This article highlights a project funded by the Scottish Government to implement version one of the HEF across the four health board areas of the South East Scotland Learning Disability Managed Care Network (MCN). Participants were engaged, motivated and positive about the HEF. However, three issues with its implementation were identified: IT problems, competing clinical demands and the need for additional training. Actions were put in place to support these concerns. The HEF has been widely accepted in the nursing workforce and is now integrated in current community learning disability nurse (CLDN) pathways. CLDNs need to ensure that administration time is built into their working day to allow them to complete the HEF. Training will be extended to include inpatient nurses and specialist nurses.