Results of the survey exploring the role of Specialist Learning Disability Physiotherapy services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 is a type of virus (Novel Coronavirus). As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world.. Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China. COVID-19 has since become a global pandemic.

Adults with a learning disability and specialist learning disability services were significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Firstly, because adults with a learning disability were identified early on as vulnerable and at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19, thus either officially shielded or followed strict social distancing advice. Secondly, because non-essential health care was postponed, and day services and community activities were closed. And thirdly, because professionals from non-essential services were redeployed into acute hospitals or discharge to assess teams into the community. 

In response, the ACPPLD National Executive Committee (NEC) published their recommendations for the role of specialist learning disability physiotherapist during the COVID -19 pandemic (https://acppld.csp.org.uk/news/2020-04-06-acppld-national-executive-committee-response-covid-19-pandemic-march-2020). To assess how specialist learning disability physiotherapy services responded to the pandemic and followed the guidance, a short survey was developed. The questions  were based on informal feedback and enquiries to the NEC. 

The results of the survey highlights the different ways that specialist learning disability physiotherapy services worked during the pandemic to support adults with a learning disability. They also demonstrate the broad skill set; innovation and versatility of specialist learning disability physiotherapists.