The Contacts that People with Learning Disabilities Have with Health and Social Services

Abstract

This study summarizes all the documented service inputs that people with learning disabilities received from one community health and social services trust in Northern Ireland during a 12-month period.

Using data obtained from two computer-based recording systems used in Northern Ireland, the extent and type of service provision for this population is described. In all, 10 different health professionals were mainly involved with some inputs from a further six health workers, while social services offered a further eight service inputs. However, the services provided varied across different age groupings and levels of dependency.

Three key issues are discussed: the number of different professionals involved; the co-ordination of service inputs and the criteria used to determine which persons receive a service and those who do not. The difficulties involved in undertaking an audit of this type are outlined but the potential contribution to achieving more cost-beneficial services are noted.