Resource allocation priorities in social care for adults with a learning disability: an analysis and comparison of different stakeholder perspectives. Issue 4 (5th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, Sue; Clarkson, Paul; Hughes, Jane; Stewart, Karen; Xie, Chengqiu; Saunders, Rob; Challis, David
• Is Part Of: Tizard learning disability review. Volume 20:Issue 4(2015)
• Page Start: 199
• Page End: 206
• Publication Date: 2015-10-05
• Subjects: Adult social care -- Costs -- Learning disabilities -- Resource allocation -- Intellectual disabilities -- Citizen consultation; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1108/TLDR-02-2015-0009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-5474

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – How resources for social care are allocated to individual service users has long been a concern. There are debates regarding the priority given to certain needs in Resource Allocation Systems (RASs). The purpose of this paper is to compare the views of adults with a learning disability and Directors of Adult Social Care regarding their priorities for resource allocation with priorities arising from observed resource allocation decisions. Design/methodology/approach: – In a consultation workshop, 12 adults with learning disabilities were asked to rank the perceived importance of eight needs-related outcomes. Directors of Adult Social Care completed an online questionnaire concerning the distribution of resources across the same eight outcomes. Actual resource allocation data from 11 local authorities were also modelled against these outcomes. A variable importance metric (the percentage contribution of each outcome to predicting costs) was used to rank the importance of these outcomes in terms of determining actual resource allocation. Findings from these data collections were compared. Findings: – There were discrepancies between the views of adults with a learning disability, the perspectives of Directors and actual resource allocation data. Whereas adults with a learning disability perceived psychological well-being as most important, Directors and actual resource allocation data stressed the importance of activities of daily living and carer burden. Originality/value: – This analysis will prove useful in understanding the concerns of adults with a learning disability and whether these are adequately addressed by current RASs.