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New approach to treating people with developmental disabilities

7 December 2005

A new teaching resource developed by the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria at Monash will help medical students and health professionals learn how to better treat people with developmental disabilities.

Clockwise, from left: Jacqui, Dr Mary Burbidge, Associate Professor Robert Davis, Dr Jane Tracy and Sara.

The Healthcare Scenarios in Developmental Disability Medicine CD-ROM was developed by Dr Jane Tracy and Dr Mary Burbidge, from the centre, in collaboration with the Centre for Learning and Teaching Support (CeLTS).

It was launched recently by Professor Brian Howe, a former deputy prime minister (1991--95) and member of the Federal Cabinet (1984--96).

The CD-ROM gives four scenarios of doctors consulting patients with different healthcare problems. The scenarios feature people with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and dual disability.

The scenarios aim to help medical students and healthcare professionals communicate more effectively with people with disabilities so their care can be better managed.

The CD-ROM is designed for undergraduate students at Monash and the University of Melbourne, but Dr Tracy emphasised it was equally relevant to graduates, registrars and practising doctors, as well as to other healthcare professionals.

"It enables all students to 'meet' people with a developmental disability and to gain a better understanding of how people with these disabilities often present to doctors and the specific communication skills required," Dr Tracy said.

"Research has demonstrated that positive personal experiences with people with disabilities can have a powerful influence on students' attitudes and increase their comfort and confidence in working with this group of patients.

"In the past, it has not been possible to provide experiences of this kind to each of the more than 450 Victorian medical graduates each year. Now it is possible, through this CD-ROM."

For more information on the CD-ROM, or to purchase a copy, contact the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria on +61 3 9564 7511 or email cddh@med.monash.edu.au.