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General discussion1717In addition, there is the problem of the accessibility and usability of existing evidence-based knowledge for GPs. Guidelines, often based on a combination of evidence-based and experience-based knowledge, have been developed for general primary care to people with ID, in the Netherlands as well as abroad. 24, 32 In addition, specific guidelines have been developed for MH care professionals or a broader audience that address MH problems in people with (M)ID 31, 33 or MID and MH screening tools. 10, 11, 46 Yet, these are often not sufficiently known and used by practitioners in primary care(Chapters 2 and 6), as they are not available via the most commonly used practitioner knowledge and quality structures. 5 In the Netherlands, the NHG guideline website is the most common GP knowledge and quality structure and guidance for the care provided by GPs. 47 On this website, only one specific guideline regarding people with ID is available and focuses on physical problems, particularly in individuals with more severe forms of ID. Other NHG guidelines, regarding both somatic and MH issues, lack supplementary information regarding the specific characteristics and needs of individuals with (M)ID. 5Although lacking scientific proof, a common belief persists among MH care professionals specialized in MID that the existing GP MH guidelines for people without ID are generally applicable to those with MID, provided that the patient’s characteristics are taken into account. 33, 48 Incorporating ID-specific appendices into GP MH guidelines would assist practitioners in considering these characteristics to provide specific recommendations and considerations for this patient group.However, from our studies, it appears that practitioners also have a need for a more comprehensive guideline regarding MH problems in patients with MID, as practitioners reported difficulties in the assessment, treatment, and follow-up of MH problems in general (Chapters 2, 3, 5, and 6). 49 The existing Dutch MH guideline ‘Generic Module MH Disorders and Borderline ID or MID’ could be suitable here, provided that it is made easily accessible on the NHG guideline website, presented with a direct connection to the GP MH guidelines. 33 Furthermore, further guidance for recognizing, addressing, and assessing MID in patients would also be of value on the NHG website (see also the opportunity ‘Early recognition and acknowledgement of MID in patients’).Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 171 24-06-2024 16:26