A Comparison of Patients with Intellectual Disability Receiving Specialised and General Services in Ontario's Psychiatric Hospitals

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Comparison of Patients with Intellectual Disability Receiving Specialised and General Services in Ontario's Psychiatric Hospitals
Language: English
Authors: Lunsky, Y., Bradley, E., Durbin, J., Koegl, C.
Source: Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. Nov 2008 52(11):1003-1012.
Availability: Blackwell Publishing. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8599; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: customerservices@blackwellpublishing.com; Web site: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/jnl_default.asp
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2008
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Health Services, Substance Abuse, Mental Retardation, Psychiatric Hospitals, Mental Disorders, Mental Health Programs, Patients, Foreign Countries, Clinics, Comparative Analysis, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Profiles, Intervention, Behavior Problems, Specialists
Geographic Terms: Canada
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2008.01049.x
ISSN: 0964-2633
Abstract: Background: Over the years, the closure of institutions has meant that individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) must access mainstream (i.e. general) mental health services. However, concern that general services may not adequately meet the needs of patients with ID and mental illness has led to the development and implementation of more specialised programmes. This study compares patients with ID receiving specialised services to patients with ID receiving general services in Ontario's tertiary mental healthcare system in terms of demographics, symptom profile, strengths and resources and clinical service needs. Method: A secondary analysis of Colorado Client Assessment Record data collected from all tertiary psychiatric hospitals in the province was completed for all 371 inpatients with ID, from both specialised and general programmes. Results: Inpatients in specialised programmes were more likely to have a diagnosis of mood disorder and were less likely to have a substance abuse or psychotic disorder. Individuals receiving specialised services had higher ratings of challenging behaviour than those in more general programmes. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of recommended level of care, although more inpatients from specialised programmes were rated as requiring Level 4 care than inpatients from general programmes. Conclusions: In Ontario, inpatients in specialised and general programmes have similar overall levels of need but unique clinical profiles that should be taken into consideration when designing interventions for them.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 41
Entry Date: 2008
Accession Number: EJ814211
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Background: Over the years, the closure of institutions has meant that individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) must access mainstream (i.e. general) mental health services. However, concern that general services may not adequately meet the needs of patients with ID and mental illness has led to the development and implementation of more specialised programmes. This study compares patients with ID receiving specialised services to patients with ID receiving general services in Ontario's tertiary mental healthcare system in terms of demographics, symptom profile, strengths and resources and clinical service needs. Method: A secondary analysis of Colorado Client Assessment Record data collected from all tertiary psychiatric hospitals in the province was completed for all 371 inpatients with ID, from both specialised and general programmes. Results: Inpatients in specialised programmes were more likely to have a diagnosis of mood disorder and were less likely to have a substance abuse or psychotic disorder. Individuals receiving specialised services had higher ratings of challenging behaviour than those in more general programmes. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of recommended level of care, although more inpatients from specialised programmes were rated as requiring Level 4 care than inpatients from general programmes. Conclusions: In Ontario, inpatients in specialised and general programmes have similar overall levels of need but unique clinical profiles that should be taken into consideration when designing interventions for them.
ISSN:0964-2633
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2008.01049.x