Transforming care: developing a community enhanced intervention service
Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
ISSN: 2044-1282
Article publication date: 22 July 2019
Issue publication date: 22 July 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the service model and evaluation of Southwark Enhanced Intervention Service (EIS). EIS is an intensive community service for adults with intellectual disabilities whose behaviours challenge in the context of the Transforming Care agenda.
Design/methodology/approach
The service model is described and the following evaluation data over four years are presented: key performance indicators, descriptive data, clinical outcomes, financial outcomes and qualitative feedback on users’ experience.
Findings
The EIS has demonstrated good outcomes for a small number of adults with complex needs by supporting them at crisis point locally and preventing hospital admission or a move to a restrictive environment out of area. EIS has also supported the successful transition back to area of a small number of adults with complex needs. The evaluation has shown improvements in behaviour, wellbeing and quality of life as well as demonstrating financial savings. Families’ and providers’ qualitative feedback indicates that the service has been highly valued and in particular the access to timely multidisciplinary coordination of input.
Originality/value
The service was developed around the same time as the start of the Transforming Care agenda. It presents findings of a four-year evaluation at a time when there is limited evaluation of such service models focusing on the Transforming Care aims. The paper presents significant findings in support of guidance and recommendations published more recently as well as reflections on components of effective service delivery.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Sophie Simpson for overseeing the financial data analysis, to Sophie Le, Laurence Palfreyman, and An Le for the support with the data analysis, to current and previous EIS team members and trainees on placement who have actively contributed to the ongoing evaluation of the service, for the invaluable support from senior managers across health and social care who supported, invested and shaped the service from the beginning, and also to clients and their families who have been central to our learning and the development of the current service model.
Citation
Fuchs, K. and Ravoux, P. (2019), "Transforming care: developing a community enhanced intervention service", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 13 No. 3/4, pp. 133-143. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-11-2018-0048
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited