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Special articles: S. Bhaumik, S. S. Nadkarni, A. B. Biswas, and J. M. Watson Service innovations: risk assessment in learning disability Psychiatr Bull 2005; 29: 28-31 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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CPA for people with learning disabilities

Colin P Hemmings   (28 April 2005)

CPA for people with learning disabilities 28 April 2005
Colin P Hemmings, Consultant Psychiatrist in Learning Disabilities South London and Maudsley NHS Trust Send letter to journal: Re: CPA for people with learning disabilities Colin.Hemmings{at}slam.nhs.uk Colin P Hemmings	Bhaumik et al’s (Psychiatric Bulletin, January 2005, 29, 28-31) recent implementation of the Care Programme Approach (CPA) in Leicester is welcome. Given the increased prevalence of mental disorders in people with learning disabilities (PWLD), it is unsatisfactory that services nationwide have been so slow in implementing CPA for this patient group (Roy, 2000). There have been clear guidelines from the DoH that CPA should apply to all those who receive a specialist mental health service, including those with LD in the community (DoH, 1995). It was surprising however to see risk assessment for PWLD and mental disorders described as a “service innovation”. Our service here in South London has been using CPA and risk assessment for several years, including for those admitted to our Weston inpatient unit. CPA has provided the framework necessary to co-ordinate care for our patients who invariably have complex needs requiring multidisciplinary input. It has also highlighted the difficulties in providing holistic and effective care to PWLD and mental disorders when generic LD services so often do not recognise and/or meet their additional needs. An audit has been recently completed of the implementation of CPA and risk assessment in services for PWLD and mental disorders across the South Thames region (Brooks et al, in preparation). The recommendations generated should help to improve patient care, communication and collaboration between clinical teams. The forthcoming report should be essential reading for those who still have yet to implement CPA and risk assessment for PWLD and mental disorders. References Department of Health (1995) Building Bridges. London: DoH Roy, A. (2000) The Care Programme Approach in learning disability psychiatry. Advances in Psychiatric treatment 6, 380-387. Brooks, D. et al (in preparation). The South Thames Regional Audit of the Care Programme Approach (CPA) and Risk Assessment/ Management Implementation in Services for people with Learning Disabilities and Mental Disorders. Author: Dr. Colin Hemmings B.Sc. MB BS M.Sc. MA MRCPsych Consultant Psychiatrist in Learning Disabilities South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, Guy's Hospital, 47 Weston Street, London SE1 3RR Tel: 0207 188 3483 Fax: 0207 188 3479 I declare no conflict of interest.