Related Experiment Videos
More and better services for people with learning disabilities
C W McGrother1, A Hauck, P R Burton
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Leicester.
Journal of Public Health Medicine
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study estimates care needs for adults with severe learning disabilities, finding that disability ratings predict the need for residential care. Planning targets show a decreased need for NHS residential places but increased demand for day care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Disability Studies
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Estimating the need for residential, day, and respite care for individuals with severe learning disabilities is crucial for service planning.
- Previous studies may not reflect current service provision or the evolving needs of this population.
- Understanding the prevalence of disability and service utilization is essential for effective resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the need for National Health Service (NHS) and other forms of residential, day, and respite care for adults with severe learning disabilities.
- To identify predictive factors of disability that correlate with the need for specific care services.
- To establish planning targets for various care services based on prevalence data.
Main Methods:
- A prevalence study was conducted using the Leicestershire Learning Disabilities Register, including 1887 subjects aged 20 years or older.
- Data was collected through interviews with professional caregivers.
- A disability rating scale was used to predict the need for NHS residential care, assessing sensitivity and specificity.
Main Results:
- The age-specific prevalence of severe learning disabilities was 2.9 per 1000, with an 88% response rate.
- Disability factors such as behavioral problems, toileting difficulties, speech impairment, epilepsy, postural deformity, and wheelchair use predicted the need for NHS residential care (82% sensitivity and specificity).
- Estimated planning targets per 100,000 population (aged 20+) include: 47 NHS residential places, 103 other residential places, 36 respite care places, and 224 day care places.
Conclusions:
- The need for residential care and medical support for individuals with severe learning disabilities is predictable within current service frameworks.
- While the need for NHS residential places has decreased since 1971, it remains critical for highly dependent individuals.
- Day care targets have increased and become more diversified, reflecting changing service needs.