In 2012 a national working party consisting of experts in the care of patients with learning disabilities and the management of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) was convened to develop guidelines to assist with the identification of at-risk patients. The aim was to improve the diagnosis and management of dysphagia in this patient population. The guidelines were also designed to improve the protection of such patients by ensuring that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner. This article provides an overview of the guidelines (Wright et al, 2012) for the community nurse.

David Wright, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich
Tom Howseman, GP and Clinical Director of LD Commissioning, Nene and Corby CCG, St Luke’s Primary Care Centre, Northampton