ID (Intellectual Disability) Crisis Resolution! Novel Approaches in NHS Highland

Abstract

Aims

Like most health and social services, community ID teams are under increasing pressure to manage burgeoning caseloads. This evaluation was for the Red People Meeting video conferencing (VC) from its conception during the pandemic 2020 with particular reference to it's simple format to structure meetings for their effectiveness and promotion of team communication and well-being.

Methods

The Red people meetings is held every Mon – Fri between 11am and 12pm through an invite sent via e-mail or diary invite. A RED STATUS is identified by a support worker who poses:

• • Serious risk of harm to self or others

• • Serious concerns related to Physical / Health / Perceived challenging behaviours.

• • Individual requiring hospitalisation

Meeting Attendees (over TEAMS): Chaired by the Head of Service or Lead ID Nurses. With attendance of ID Consultant Psychiatrist, OT Team, Moving Home Manager, ID Nurse, Social Worker. Attendance depending on individual need include Clinical Psychology, AHPs, Social Work Team Manager, Social Worker, Police, GP, Housing, MHO, District Nurses, etc

Individuals identified as RED and are at risk of admission or an inappropriate alternative solution will likely require significantly longer discussions and a full plan to reduce the risk of harm.

Evaluation data were gathered via qualitative feedback from the multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Number of patients admitted among cases discussed from January 2020 until September 2022 (Total 248) was noted.

Results

The MDT team were generally satisfied with the assistance they received and were able to be provided solution focused remedies with immediate feedback. In particular, they were satisfied with the accessibility in having a collaborated approach with addressing the challenges to request priority of interventions from NHS Highland ID staff and provision of timely advice and guidance to support providers. Out of the 248 People With Intellectual Disability (PWID) discussed from January 2020 to Sept 2022, only two required admission with the rest successfully being managed in the community.

Conclusion

With its easy accessibility and quick response via video conferencing, ‘Red people’ meeting can be used as a platform to discuss PWID and / or autism who have been classified with a RED status identifying the immediate support required, providing expert advice and guidance, enabling a quick prioritised response from professionals and provision of safe and timely discharge from hospital.

It is evident that further research needs to be undertaken into the contemporary and future practice of community ID teams in the management of crisis settings.