How should community mental health of intellectual disability services evolve?

Stakeholder perspectives on intensive support teams for adults with intellectual disabilities who display behaviour that challenges in England

BACKGROUND

Adults with intellectual disabilities often display behaviour that challenges that is a result of biological differences, psychological challenges, and lack of appropriate social support. Intensive Support Teams (IST) are recommended to support the care needs of this group and avoid hospitalisation. However, little attention has been paid to the perspectives of stakeholders who manage, work in, or use ISTs.

METHOD

Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 50 stakeholders (IST service managers and professionals, adults with intellectual disabilities, and family and paid carers) of ISTs. Services operated according to one of two service models previously identified in ISTs in England (enhanced or independent).

RESULTS

Thematic analysis identified accessible and flexible support, individualised care, and the involvement of carers and other relevant agencies in management plans and reviews as features of good IST care highlighted by all stakeholder groups. IST managers and professionals described the key challenges of current IST provision as unclear referral criteria, limited interfaces with other local services, and perceived threats associated with funding and staff retention. Findings were similar between the two IST models.

CONCLUSIONS

ISTs are able to offer care and specialist support that is valued by families, service users and other care providers. However, they face several operational challenges that should be addressed if ISTs are to reach their potential along with community intellectual disability services in supporting adults with intellectual disabilities who display behaviour that challenges in the community.

Experiences of mental health professionals providing services to adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research studies

BACKGROUND

Mental health professionals play an important role in providing care and treatment for adults with intellectual disabilities. A number of studies use qualitative methods to explore the experiences of these professionals and their perspectives regarding the mental health services for this population. A systematic review using meta-ethnographic approach was undertaken to summarise this research.

METHOD

A systematic search found 14 relevant studies which were critically appraised. Key themes from these studies were extracted and synthesised.

RESULTS

Three main themes were identified: 1) Understanding the person, 2) Relational interaction and 3) Organisational factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this review identified the issues mental health professionals raised in relation to their work. They described the complex presenting problems as intense yet fulfilling therapeutic relationships with their clients and their wish to improve their knowledge and skills. They identified organisational issues that need to be addressed to improve staff morale and efficiency.

Services for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems in Singapore: perspectives from mainstream mental health professionals

Background: Generic mental health staff often have contact with people with intellectual disabilities when they access mainstream mental health services. To date, there has not been any research conducted in non-western countries to explore their views. This paper investigates the views and experiences of mainstream mental health professionals regarding the mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities in Singapore. Methods: Eight staff members from generic mental health services were interviewed. Thematic analysis was used to identify main themes. Findings: The main themes are related to their work experiences, perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities, ideal staff characteristics and service recommendations. Conclusions: Participants identified a lack of experience and knowledge when working with this population. They highlighted the challenges they face promoting choice and autonomy for people with intellectual disabilities. The discussion includes recommendations for improving staff knowledge through training opportunities, consideration of non-pharmacological approaches and early collaboration with caregivers during the treatment process.

An intensive personalised support approach to treating individuals with psychosis and co-morbid mild intellectual disability

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical benefits and associated cost effectiveness of an intensive personalised support (IPS) approach for clients suffering from psychosis and co-morbid mild intellectual disability (ID).

METHOD

Four individuals with a psychotic disorder and co-morbid mild ID participated in an 18-month IPS rehabilitative intervention. Biopsychosocial measures were used to evaluate clinical effectiveness. A cost analysis was undertaken to examine the cost effectiveness of the intervention.

RESULTS

Reductions in psychopathology including anxiety symptoms were noted in all individuals. In addition, increased functioning and quality of life were demonstrated in all cases. Overall cost reductions were noted in inpatient care, accommodation and legal/emergency expenses.

CONCLUSION

The IPS approach was clinically effective particularly in addressing individual's psychosocial needs, psychological functioning, daily living skills and overall quality of life. Costs had decreased for three of the four individuals, ranging from a 17% to 46% savings. The findings highlight that the intervention was cost effective in most cases at this early stage. However, further research is necessary in order to ascertain if cost savings occur over time.