Characteristics of individuals using an integrated intensive support team within an adult community learning disability team

Purpose This paper aims to describe characteristics of individuals known to an integrated intensive support team (IST) for adults with intellectual disabilities (age, sex, ethnicity, level of intellectual disability, diagnoses). This paper also aims to report on community service input, the use of Dynamic Support Database-Clinical Support Tool, Care and Treatment Reviews and admissions and discharges from mental health hospitals. Design/methodology/approach A retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data over a two-year period. Findings Around 90 individuals aged 19–73 years were rated as at risk of admission to mental health hospital, using the Dynamic Support Database-Clinical Support Tool. There were more men (62%) than women. Almost half (47%) had a mild intellectual disability, and around a third (37%) were autistic. Of the 63 individuals known to the team who were rated red (imminent risk of admission), three individuals were admitted to hospital. Therefore, 95% of potential admissions were avoided. Practical implications This adds to the emerging evidence of the utility of ISTs integrated within community learning disability teams in reducing admissions to hospital. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate IST outcomes using the Dynamic Support Database-Clinical Support Tool.