Evaluation of a special behaviour unit for people with mental handicaps and challenging behaviour

A descriptive evaluation is provided of a hospital-based unit for people with mental handicaps and challenging behaviours. The characteristics of clients admitted to the unit over a 15-month period are described, together with admission and discharge patterns, and treatment interventions undertaken. The progress of four clients is studied in detail via single-case studies. While reductions in levels of challenging behaviour occurred during admission, these changes were not generally maintained at follow-up. Implications for future service design are discussed.