Template for action for patients with intellectual disabilities in mental health services

There has been an increase in the number of people with learning disabilities admitted to mainstream mental health services, who are reported to be at greater risk of physical and mental health problems than the general population. Mental health professionals from all disciplines report minimal pre-registration education in this field. This study sought to develop a multidisciplinary competency tool for use in the care of this patient group. A review of the literature informed the topic guide for focus groups (n=2) with experienced mental health practitioners (n=19). Thematic analysis identified overarching and sub-themes, and a pilot of the tool was created in diagrammatic format. Expert interviews (n=18) were conducted to validate emergent overarching and sub-themes. The major themes that emerged were: positive behavioural support, risk and safety, management of mental illness and communication. Clinical competencies are increasingly generated to ensure accountability but they must also enhance the pati...