Author: Hall I, Parkes C, Samuels S and Hassiotis A
Journal: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 2006
Volume/pages: Vol 50(8), pp598-607

About the study
In this evaluation of an integrated approach to mental health services, the authors explore the impact of the model on patients’ functioning and the severity of their mental health problems. The Mental Health Service for People with Learning Disabilities (MHSPLD), a joint approach by adult mental health and learning disability services, includes joint commissioning of a specialist inpatient service and a community ‘virtual team’. This London-based study included 37 participants who had been admitted as inpatients or presented in crisis to community services. Case note reviews were carried out as well as interviews with service users, carers and health and social care professionals to assess the impact of the service on clinical outcomes.

Findings
The study showed that over six months, both inpatients and community groups experienced significant improvement in their functioning and the severity of their symptoms, with both groups showing reductions in their problems with mood changes and relationships. Service users in both groups reported an increase in met needs and a decrease in unmet needs.

Key messages

• Partnership working across health and social care boundaries for mental health service users with learning disabilities can ensure that their needs are more likely to be met
• A joint model helps to achieve improved clinical outcomes and functioning, and reduced risk for both inpatients and community groups