BTS Clinical Statement on the prevention and management of community-acquired pneumonia in people with learning disability.

Clinical practice points
Engaging effectively with the person with learning disability and their parents/carers is fundamental to the early identification of CAP risk factors and the judicious implementation of preventive care and treatment.

Every encounter is an opportunity for healthcare professionals to build a strong foundation to get it right for all future healthcare.

Clinical encounters should be well planned to enable reasonable adjustments to be implemented including adequate clinic space, collaboration between healthcare professionals to minimise visits, additional appointment time and appropriate communication aids.

A detailed history and clinical assessment of respiratory health should be part of every consultation for people with learning disability (notably at each AHC) and should be directed at identifying risk factors for CAP and the need for further investigation.