Ageing in learning difficulties: the development of health care outcome indicators

A system of outcome indicators for the health and social care of ageing people with learning disabilities is required to ensure that clinicians, planners, purchasers and policy makers can monitor and evaluate the impact of health and social care. As longevity is increasing in people with learning disabilities, special problems are found in the physical health, psychological health and social wellbeing of the elderly. This paper reviews theoretical aspects of outcome indicators, and uses the various classes of outcome measures available to draw up a system of indicators for clinicians, researchers and planners. This paper represents the personal view of the authors, prepared for a conference in August 1992.