Redesigning a community-based challenging behaviour intensive support service
Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
ISSN: 2044-1282
Article publication date: 29 May 2019
Issue publication date: 22 July 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss outcomes of a service redesign, involving an Intensive Support Team (IST) for adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, working in conjunction with a Community Learning Disability Service (CLDS).
Design/methodology/approach
Two IST staff were physically based as “Inreach workers” within a CLDS for six months. Inreach workers provided support with existing resources and consultation for specific clients presenting with challenging behaviour. CLDS staff confidence, understanding and implementation of existing challenging behaviour resources was evaluated before and after service redesign. An online questionnaire was used to gather further data relating to experiences of the Inreach project.
Findings
CLDS staff confidence, understanding and implementation of existing challenging behaviour resources increased over the six-month inreach period. Questionnaire results indicated CLDS staff found Inreach support to be beneficial, having a perceived positive impact for clients, and providing clarity on the skills and resources provided by the IST.
Research limitations/implications
The long-term effects of this pilot have yet to be established. Consideration is given to how demand characteristics may have influenced CLDS responses.
Practical implications
Careful consideration should be given in terms of how ISTs interface with CLDSs. ISTs may consider being based physically within CLDSs, to provide more readily accessible support.
Originality/value
Providing CLDS staff with more accessible support from ISTs may increase the effective implementation of available resources for adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank staff working in the Southampton and Hampshire Intensive Support Team, and West Hampshire Community Learning Disability Service, for their participation in this service redesign, and also Dr Sarah Horsley (Principle Clinical Psychologist) and Samuel Berry (Assistant Psychologist) for their involvement in the local service evaluation.
Citation
White, J., Symes, M. and Pearce, C. (2019), "Redesigning a community-based challenging behaviour intensive support service", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 13 No. 3/4, pp. 123-132. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-11-2018-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited