Mobile support for adults with mild learning disabilities during clinical consultations

Some of the factors that explain poor health outcomes for people with learning disabilities (LDs) include multi-morbidity and underdiagnosed health conditions. Previous studies have suggested that this population face significant communication barriers when interacting with health professionals and this is a major contributing factor to such diagnosis complications. Consequently, such health barriers are often preventable. However, there is a surprising lack of research-based technologies available that intend to promote this communication. We aim to address this gap by investigating the potential of using mobile technologies to support adults with mild LDs during clinical consultations. To achieve this, we interviewed a number of domain experts including government advisors, academics, support workers and General Practitioners. We then developed a technology probe to inform the information extracted and subsequently created a set of design guidelines for the development of Augmentative and Communicative technologies that target the clinical needs of adults with mild LDs.