Rapid risk assessment in acute hospital for patients with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Purpose

There is significant literature to demonstrate that people with intellectual disabilities are at higher risk of premature death, however there is relatively little evidence of research carried out on risk assessment in hospital for this patient group. This paper aims to share the outcomes from a patient safety project conducted in an acute hospital by the Trust's intellectual disabilities team.

Design/methodology/approach

A project structure was used, supported by the Trust patient safety team through association with the National Institute for Innovation and Improvement: leading improvement in patient safety (LIPS) programme. The aim of the project was to bring together the current evidence, to understand the risk issues for this group and develop a robust risk assessment tool that could be embedded into the care processes in acute hospitals.

Findings

A six month pilot concluded that a short assessment in a familiar format was more likely to be used by nurses. Risk assessment on its own does not deliver better and safer care. It must be accompanied by a series of clear, evidence based actions that used together ensure the patients' total safety and care needs are met. This tool is used throughout the Trust and in a number of other hospitals across the eastern region. Its use has contributed to reducing length of stay and improving health outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows the need for further research and data gathering.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that risk for patients with intellectual disabilities in hospital is complex. Education is essential to underpin new assessment tools for clinical practice.

Citation

Read, S. and Johnson, T. (2012), "Rapid risk assessment in acute hospital for patients with intellectual disabilities", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 6 No. 6, pp. 321-332. https://doi.org/10.1108/20441281211285973