Clinical effectiveness of intensive support teams for challenging behaviour (Hall, 2021)

Hall I.

Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 2021;65(8): 722.

Background: There is limited evidence about the clinical effectiveness of intensive support teams (ISTs), specialist teams to support individuals with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour stay in their local communities. The study used quantitative methods to evaluate the clinical effectiveness between the two models. Method(s): An observational study was conducted with adults with intellectual disability receiving care from 21 ISTs across England (N = 226). Individuals were followed up at 9 months. The main outcome was decrease in challenging behaviour as measured by the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-Community. Results/Aims: Challenging behaviour was decreased in individuals with intellectual disability. There is no difference in clinical effectiveness of the two models of ISTs in England: integrated in community intellectual disability service and stand-alone service. Conclusion(s): The impact of specialist support to individuals with intellectual disability was emphasised by reduction of challenging behaviour and improved mental health outcomes. From Science to Practice: From these findings, allocation of resources and implementation of ISTs in the NHS should not prioritise one model over the other, but rather fit in best with existing local resources, as model type does not appear to impact upon its effectiveness.