'Planning Live': using a person‐centred intervention to reduce admissions to and length of stay in learning disability inpatient facilities. (4th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bartle, Janet; Crossland, Tom; Hewitt, Olivia
• Is Part Of: British journal of learning disabilities. Volume 44:Number 4(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 277
• Page End: 283
• Publication Date: 2016-03-04
• Subjects: Inpatient admission -- person‐centred intervention -- preventative work; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; Learning disabled children -- Periodicals; Learning disabled youth -- Periodicals; 362.3
• DOI: 10.1111/bld.12161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-4187

Abstract

Abstract : Accessible Summary: Some people with a learning disability need to go to hospital to get help with their mental health or if they have challenging behaviour. We wanted to see if we could help people get the right support at home so they did not have to go to hospital We had a special meeting to help this happen called a 'Planning Live' meeting These meetings helped some people stay at home and get support without having to go to hospital. For the people who had to come into hospital, they had a shorter stay and could go home more quickly. Abstract: Background: Recent government policy has focused on reducing the number of people with a learning disability receiving treatment for challenging behaviour or mental health difficulties in hospitals (including in assessment and treatment units; ATU). People with a learning disability should be supported to remain in their community when receiving support for challenging behaviour or mental health difficulties whenever possible. Methods: This study considered a novel intervention based on person‐centred planning practice, which aimed to coordinate a person's support, identify outstanding needs and increase communication. This intervention intended to reduce rates of inpatient admission, and support the person to remain in their community, whilst ensuring their needs are met. This intervention was assessed by considering the number of people admitted to the inpatient services before and after the intervention, the length of inpatient admissions before and after the intervention, and by analysing qualitative feedback from participants in the intervention. Results: 'Planning Live' meetings were held for 102 people. Forty‐five meetings were held retrospectively following an emergency admission. Following the 'Planning Live' meeting, five people had a planned admission and 52 people did not have an inpatient admission. The median length of inpatient stay fell from 143.5 days before the introduction of 'Planning Live' to 66 days (a statistically significant reduction). Qualitative feedback shows that the process was largely seen as helpful by professionals, families and individuals taking part in the meetings. Conclusions: The results suggest this person‐centred intervention contributed towards a reduction in the amount of time individuals stayed in hospital. However, the total number of hospital admissions rose following the intervention.