Supporting Organisation: Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
About Natalie's fellowship project
Title: Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) contribution to reducing avoidable mortality among people with learning disabilities and autistic people in Norfolk and Suffolk
People with learning disabilities and autistic people experience significantly higher rates of avoidable mortality than the general population. National reviews have identified aspiration pneumonia, respiratory disease, and cardiometabolic conditions as common contributors to preventable deaths. Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and dietitians, play an important role in preventing health deterioration and managing risk factors.
This project will evaluate how AHPs contribute to reducing risks associated with avoidable mortality among people with learning disabilities and autistic people, and how workforce provision can be optimised to better meet population needs and reduce health inequalities. The evaluation will review mortality and population health information, map current service provision, and gather feedback from people with learning disabilities, autistic people, family carers, AHPs, and other health and social care professionals through structured questionnaires.
The project will identify examples of effective practice, gaps in service provision, barriers to access, and areas of unmet need across Norfolk and Suffolk. Findings will be used to develop workforce recommendations. The anticipated impact is improved understanding of how AHP services can be targeted to better meet the needs of people with learning disabilities and autistic people across the Integrated Care System.
Contact Natalie: Natalie.lucas@nsft.nhs.uk