Mansell, J., Beadle-Brown, J., Macdonald, S., & Ashman, B.,

2003,

Reviewed by Eric Emerson,
Professor of Clinical Psychology,
Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University

Methodology

Survey of the relationship between resident grouping, care practices and outcomes across 68 small to medium sized supported accommodation settings (average of 6.5 residents per setting) provided by a national independent sector organisation. Information collected by interview and observation.

Critical Appraisal

Unclear sampling strategy weakens confidence with which results can be generalised to the total population of homes provided by that particular organisation and supported accommodation services in the UK in general. Good information provided on the reliability of information collected.

Key Findings

Functional grouping was examined by comparing settings in which over 75% of residents shared a particular characteristic (e.g., challenging behaviour) with settings in which fewer than 50% of residents shared that particular characteristic. Functional grouping was unrelated to care practices when groupings were based on verbal ability, social impairment or physical disability. However, grouping together people with challenging behaviour was associated with poorer care practices in the areas of interpersonal warmth, assistance from staff, level of speech and staff teamwork.

Social Work Practice/ Policy Implications

Current Department of Health policy recommends that supported accommodation services should not seek to congregate or group together people with challenging behaviour in 'specialised' residential services. This study provides empirical support for current policy guidance.

See also Robertson, J., Emerson, E., Pinkney, L., Hatton, C., Caesar, E., Felce, D., Meek, A., Carr, D., Lowe, K., Knapp., & Hallam, A. (2003 ). Quality And Costs Of Community-Based Residential Supports For People With Learning Disabilities And Challenging Behaviours – Final Report . Lancaster : Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University http://www.lancs.ac.uk/depts/ihr/publications/cbhouses.pdf