scholarly journals Studying grief in adults with learning disabilities

2000 ◽  
Vol 176 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Lyons

I read with interest the article by Bonell-Pascual et al (1999) and would agree that recognition of, and service provision for, the bereaved adult learning disability population is markedly deficient. However, their conclusion that learning disability is a significant predictor of future mental health problems following bereavement is not substantiated and should be interpreted with caution in view of the flawed research methodology.

2000 ◽  
Vol 176 (5) ◽  
pp. 473-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Xenitidis ◽  
G. Thornicroft ◽  
M. Leese ◽  
M. Slade ◽  
M. Fotiadou ◽  
...  

BackgroundPeople with learning disabilities and mental health problems have complex needs. Care should be provided according to need.AimTo develop a standardised needs-assessment instrument for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.MethodThe Camberwell Assessment of Need for Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (CANDID) was developed by modifying the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN). Concurrent validity was tested using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS). Test–retest and interrater reliability were investigated using 40 adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.ResultsCANDID scores were significantly correlated with both DAS (P<0.05) and GAF scores (P<0.01). Correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were 0.93 (user), 0.90 (carer), and 0.97 (staff ratings); for test–retest reliability they were 0.71, 0.69 and 0.86 respectively. Mean interview duration was less than 30 minutes.ConclusionsThe CANDID is a brief, valid and reliable needs assessment instrument for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.


2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Unwin ◽  
Nick LeMesurier ◽  
Niyati Bathia ◽  
Shoumitro Deb

The aim of the research was to scope issues of concern at transition for young people with learning disabilities and mental health problems/challenging behaviour from the perspective of parent carers, using a focus group interview consisting of ten participants, including one facilitator and administrative support. The interview was tape‐recorded, transcribed and thematically coded using Microsoft Word and NVivo. Two case vignettes were used to stimulate the discussion. Several themes emerged from analysis of the transcripts: access to information about rights and the services available for their son or daughter, and conflicts between carers and professionals. The experience of parent carers of people with learning disabilities is still not well understood. By understanding the views and experiences of parent carers, transition can be facilitated and concerned parties can work together to achieve better results.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilde V. Markussen ◽  
Lene Aasdahl ◽  
Marit B. Rise

Abstract Background Increasing mental health problems and scarce treatment resources put pressure on mental health services to make innovations in service provision, such as developing differentiated services adapted to different needs. One innovation in differentiated service provision is brief or short-term treatment to patients with moderate mental health problems. Implementing a new unit in an organization usually faces many potential barriers and facilitators, and knowledge on how the professionals providing the services perceive the implementation of innovative approaches in mental health services is scarce. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the professionals’ perceptions of how the establishment of a specialized brief therapy unit had affected the organization, especially the everyday work in the outpatient clinics. Methods Eleven professionals, five men and six women, took part in individual interviews. All participants were between 40 and 60 years old and had leading or coordinating positions in the organization. Their professional backgrounds were within psychology, nursing and medicine, most of them specialists in their field. Data was analyzed according to Systematic text condensation. Results The professionals’ experiences represented four main themes: (1) The brief therapy unit was perceived as successful and celebrated. (2) The general outpatient clinics, on the other hand, were described as “forgotten”. (3) The establishment process had elucidated different views on treatment in the outpatient clinics - and had set off (4) a discussion regarding the criteria for prioritizing in mental health services. Conclusion Providing targeted treatment to patients with moderate mental health problems, while having a concurrent aim to solve broader problems in mental health services, entails a discussion regarding resource use and the appropriate level of treatment provision. Professionals should be more involved when innovative efforts are implemented, and the criteria for success must be conceptualized and evaluated. Longitudinal research on the implementation of innovative efforts in the services should include professionals’ and service users’ perspectives.


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