Public hearing 10: Education and training of health professionals in relation to people with cognitive disability

This hearing examined the education and training of health professionals and allied health professionals, including medical practitioners, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists and speech pathologists, in relation to the health care and treatment of people with cognitive disability.

The issues explored at this hearing included:

• content of curricula at undergraduate and post-graduate medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, psychology and speech pathology, schools and medical colleges relating to the health needs of people with cognitive disability and areas of curricula redevelopment to better support people with cognitive disability

• accreditation and oversight of education and training programs

• practice standards and professional competencies

• post-registration and specialty education and training as well as continuing professional development

• the extent of involvement of people with cognitive disability and their families and support persons in the education and training of health professionals

• the need for and effectiveness of education and training to address

  • diagnostic overshadowing and the misdiagnosis of health conditions in people with cognitive disability

  • cultural attitudes, assumptions and beliefs about the quality of life of people with cognitive disability

  • communication with people with cognitive disability and their families and carers, support persons

  • gaps in specialised knowledge in cognitive disability.