A scoping review examining the impact of learning disability and autism training on healthcare professionals' perspectives and practice

Healthcare professionals (HCP) attitudes and behaviour in practice play a critical role in the health inequalities experienced by adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults. Poor awareness of adjustments required in communication and enabling capacity for autonomous decision-making can lead to substandard treatment outcomes and avoidable deaths. This paper presents a scoping review of HCP education & training, knowledge skills and abilities in the fields of learning disabilities and autism and the impact that education and training linked to national capabilities frameworks could have on attitudes and practice. The limitations and results highlighted from this study will not only supplement current research, but aid future research and support the development of a reliable, contemporary evidence base in the field of learning disabilities and autism, to inform staff training mandated in England and Wales.