Two districts, two models: In-patient care in the psychiatry of learning disability

In the UK, there are two widely recognised models of in-patient service provision in the psychiatry of learning disability. While there have been descriptive studies of the two models, there haven't yet been any comparing them. This study is a retrospective survey of new admissions to all in-patient facilities of two London districts having the two models of care. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were compared and predictors for the duration of stay examined. Altogether there were 56 admission episodes over a three-year period. Significant differences were noted between the two groups in residential status, the degree of learning disability and the presence of a pervasive developmental disorder. Residential status at the time of admission was the only predictor of duration of hospital stay with those from residential homes tending to stay longer. Prospective studies, which incorporate cost and patient satisfaction variables, are needed in the future.