An evaluation of the implementation of Safewards on an assessment and treatment unit for people with an intellectual disability. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, Bronwen; Silver, Jade; Josham, Scarlett; Grist, Emma; Jones, Lewis; Francis, Nicky; Truelove, Cerys; Shindler, Matthew; Jones, Sian; Gwatkin, Alice
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual disabilities. Volume 25:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 357
• Page End: 369
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Safewards -- assessment and treatment unit; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Handicap intellectuel; Trouble d'apprentissage; Handicapé mental; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 362.1968588
• DOI: 10.1177/1744629520901637
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-6295

Abstract

This study evaluates the implementation of Safewards on an assessment and treatment unit (ATU) for people with an intellectual disability. There are no previous studies evaluating this model in this context and previous research has focused largely on acute mental health services. The 'Patient–Staff Conflict Shift Report' was used at baseline for 1 month and 1 year later, after all the interventions had been implemented, to evaluate the impact of Safewards. Significant reductions were found in conflict and containment measures used within the service after the implementation of Safewards. Staff who led on the interventions were also asked to give feedback on their experiences, the challenges they faced and how they would like to move forward. Safewards was generally seen as a positive approach by the team. Limitations of this study are highlighted and suggestions for future research are made.