Specialist learning disability units

via Mental Health Update by John Gale on 13 August
In the past people with learning disabilities often spent long periods of time as hospital inpatients. This is no longer considered to be acceptable and the current UK policy is for long-stay hospitals for people with learning disabilities to be reduced in size and, eventually, closed. However, there is still a need for people with learning disabilities to receive assessment and treatments that may still involve a period of admission to a specialist facility. A study of such a facility by researchers in Northern Ireland found that the main reasons for admission were challenging behaviour and mental-health problems. The study found that there were significant reductions in these problems following admission to the unit, which was staffed by a multidisciplinary team, mostly made up of nurses.

People with learning disabilities admitted to an assessment and treatment unit: impact on challenging behaviours and mental health problems
E Slevin, R McCinkey, M Truesdale-Kennedy and L Taggart (Institute of Nursing Research & School of Nursing, University of Ulster) in Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Volume 15 Number 7 (2008)

Abstract

This study describes the evaluation of an assessment and treatment unit for people with learning disabilities. Results showed the main reasons for admission for the 48 people admitted to the unit were because of challenging behaviours and mental health problems. Valid and reliable scales were used to measure the behaviours and mental health problems of those admitted across three-time periods: pre-admission, during admission and post-admission. The analysis found significant reductions in challenging behaviours and mental health problems following admission to the unit. The unit was staffed by a multidisciplinary team with nurses making up the largest group of staff. A number of issues of concern are discussed including access to mental health services for people with learning disabilities, the need for robust community services and areas that require further research. In conclusion, the study found evidence supporting the value of the unit and how it may lessen distress in learning disabled people who are behaviourally disturbed. It is suggested that nurses played a key role in the unit but they need to make the support and caring they provide more visible. Nurses need to harness and make explicit the caring they provide for people with learning disabilities.

Hazel's comment:
With more people being "treated" outside specialist units it is incumbent upon careers and guidance advisers to have at least some idea of the specialist needs of those with learning disabilities. And, if I'm reading the literature correctly, the higher incidences of mental health problems in this group of people.