Understanding the current provisions of support for people with an intellectual disabilities and/or autism in crisis: A mixed methods study

Authors

Rohit Shankar, Peninsula Medical School

ORCID

• Rohit Shankar: 0000-0002-1183-6933

Abstract

Background:There has been significant reduction in inpatient beds for people with intellectual disability and/or autism (PwID/A) in the UK in the last decade following high profile national scandals in specialist psychiatric hospitals. To reduce inappropriate admissions a new strategy (Blue-Light, an emergency multi-disciplinary meeting to prevent admission to hospital) was introduced. However, there is no research on the influence of Blue-Light on crisis management for PwID/A.Aim:To assess Blue-Light’s impact on PwID/A’s crisis presentationsMethods:Co-produced with experts-by-experience, a mixed methods approach using a 13 question Likert based survey of health and social-care professionals along with semi-structured interviews of carers involved with consecutive Blue-Light patient reviews was undertaken in Cornwall UK (population: 538,000). Patient data was accessed to understand the patient journey. All data analysis was descriptive in nature. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step process.Results:Ten patient journeys were examined. Staff interviewed had a good understanding of the Blue-Light process, Blue-Light activation practical challenges and considered Blue-Light reactive. Nearly half wanted ID/A specialist beds recommissioned. A majority wanted improved supervision and standards for third sector providers. Semi-structured interviews of 10 patient-carers identified a lack of consistency from professionals, limited infrastructure provision, the prolongation of crises and a lack of definition of crisis as carers did not feel supported by services.Conclusions:Current crisis support systems are not standardised and often leave carers feeling unsupported in crises. An evidence-based debate of crisis support and the inpatient role for PwID/A is required.

DOI

10.1177/002076402413038

Publication Date

2024-12-09

Publication Title

International Journal of Social Psychiatry

ISSN

0020-7640

Recommended Citation

Shankar, R. (2024) 'Understanding the current provisions of support for people with an intellectual disabilities and/or autism in crisis: A mixed methods study', International Journal of Social Psychiatry, . Available at: 10.1177/002076402413038" >https://doi.org/10.1177/002076402413038