Improving the initial assessment process in the oxford health learning disability service

Abstract

An investigation of service users’ experiences of the South Learning Disability (LD) team in 2019 revealed dissatisfaction with the initial assessment process. The present study aimed to improve the initial assessment process in the LD Service by introducing new resources developed collaboratively with service users. 20 clinicians, 10 service users and 4 carers completed questionnaires on their experience of the initial assessment and the new resources. Using thematic analysis, main themes emerged relating to staff’s experiences of the initial assessment pre-pilot: ‘Is this really necessary? a lot of work for little reward’, ‘Not very LD-friendly’, ‘Value in a thorough assessment’ and ‘A need for a streamlined, inclusive approach’. Themes relating to staff’s experiences of using the developed resources were found: ‘Making it LD-friendly’, ‘Time saving’ and ‘One size does not fit all’. Quantitative data showed new resources reduced service users’ anxiety and improved their understanding of the assessment.