Hospital admission

Background Between 30-60% of older people experience functional decline after hospitalisation which can be accelerated by inactivity in hospital. Family or caregivers can positively affect activity levels of hospitalised older people.

Background: Little is known about the experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities and additional mental health problems who are admitted for inpatient psychiatric care. In the UK such care is delivered in both generic psychiatric and specialised treatment settings.

Aims: The present study explored service users' and carers' views on in-patient psychiatric treatment received across these two settings.

People with learning disabilities often have difficulty identifying and meeting their health needs and accessing appropriate health services. The Department of Health (1999a), NHS Executive (1998), and Mencap (1998) report that this group has increased needs compared with the general population, yet these needs are often poorly met. 

Background  Government guidelines promote the use of mainstream mental health services for people with intellectual disabilities whenever possible. However, little is known about the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities who use such services.

Materials and Methods  Face-to-face interviews with service users, carers and community nurses were completed and analysed on a case by case basis using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The results were followed up in focus groups with service providers.