Address health inequalities through evidence-based learning disability nursing practice

People with learning and intellectual disabilities experience well-documented health inequalities, including poorer health status and reduced life expectancy. Fundamentals of Learning and Intellectual Disability Nursing delivers a comprehensive, holistic overview for managing the health and social care needs of this population across their entire lifespan. drawing on contributions from clinical and educational experts. Grounded in insights from leading clinical and educational experts, this vibrant, full-colour text empowers pre-registration nurses with the evidence-based knowledge required to actively challenge the individual and structural causes of these inequalities.

Inside, readers will explore the common conditions, targeted interventions, and complex service considerations essential to modern practice. Complex theories and concepts are seamlessly integrated into clinical contexts through scenario-based learning and practical case studies. Every chapter features clear learning outcomes, reflective exercises, and hands-on activities engineered to build both robust foundational knowledge and the practical confidence needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in any clinical setting.

Readers will also find:

• Practical tools to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world clinical placements
• Strategies for cultivating an empathetic, person-centred approach to diverse patient needs
• Critical thinking frameworks designed to help pre-registration nurses confidently advocate for patients and challenge systemic barriers
• A robust foundation for evidence-based decision-making across varied health and social care settings

Written for pre-registration learning and intellectual disability nursing students, this text also serves health, social care, and social work professionals supporting children and adults with learning and intellectual disabilities. Learners on nursing access and preparation programmes will find it a practical resource for building foundational clinical knowledge and practice competence.

Daniel Marsden is a Senior Lecturer for Learning Disabilities at Canterbury Christ Church University. His work in the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Allied and Public Health focuses on preparing pre-registration health and care students to address the health inequalities and diverse care needs experienced by people with learning and intellectual disabilities.

Sam Abdulla is a Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University. His teaching and scholarship center on equipping nursing students with the clinical knowledge and practice-based skills required to deliver effective, person-centered care for individuals with learning and intellectual disabilities.