Practicality, utility and face-validity of the dynamic support database
| Pages | 228-236 |
| Published date | 21 August 2019 |
| Date | 21 August 2019 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-04-2019-0009 |
| Author | Trixie Mottershead,Ceri Woodrow |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Practicality, utility and face-validity of
the dynamic support database
Trixie Mottershead and Ceri Woodrow
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore the clinical perspective of the practicality, utility and
face-validity of the dynamic support database (DSD) Red, Amber, Green (RAG) rating support tool within
adult learning disabilities services in a North West NHS Foundation Trust. The aim of the current project is to
evaluate the practicality, utility and face-validity of the DSD RAG rating support tool, as reported by clinicians
who have been employing it.
Design/methodology/approach –A mixed-methods design was utilised by asking clinicians to complete a
questionnaire in relation to the DSD Support Tool. Questionnaires were distributed across three community
learning disability teams within the North West. A total of 50 clinicians completed the questionnaire which
included rated responses for quantitative analysis and free-text comments for qualitative analysis.
Findings –Positive ratings given by clinicians suggested good practicality, utility and face-validity in relation
to the tool. Analysis of the free-text comments suggested that the tool supported clinical judgement in a
standardised way and helped discussions with commissioners. Feedback also provided insights intohow the
DSD support tool could be improved.
Research limitations/implications –Further investigation would be required to yield higher numbers of
participation across NHS Trusts to add reliability to the present findings.
Originality/value –The DSD support tool has been used within the NHS Foundation Trust for the last
12 months however the practicality, utility and face-validity of the tool had not been explored from the clinician
perspective.
Keywords Perspective, Utility, Learning disability, Dynamic support database, Face-validity,Practicality
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Since the investigation into Winterbourne View (Transforming Care and Commissioning Steering
Group, 2014) there has been a cross-government commitment to transform care for those with
an intellectual disability (ID) and/or autism who display behaviours that are challenging to
manage. This commitment was designed to ensure that the cruelty exposed at Winterbourne
View hospital in the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of adults with an ID and/or autism
would not be repeated (Flynn and Citarella, 2013). The “Building the Right Support”national plan
aims to strengthen patient support through community services and reduce the need to rely
upon inpatient admission in the event of behaviours that challenge (NHS England, 2015a).
Additionally the New Service Model (NHS England, 2015b) reflects these aims by employing
supportive strategies for those at risk of displaying challenging behaviour; respecting the rights,
independence, choice and access to services for all people with an ID and/or autism.
There are many indiv idual difference s that may increase a p erson’s vulnerabi lity to hospital
admission for those with an ID. For example, a person with diagnoses of both schizophrenia
and ID are at increased risk of admission (Cowley et al., 2005). Cowley et al. (2005) also found
that physical aggr ession and living in dependently were predictors of inpa tient admission f or
this population. Ag gression towards oth ers and psychotro pic polypharmacy wa s found to
significantly predict admission into specialised inpatient units (Modi et al., 2015). Raitasuo et al.
(1999) found that hospital admissions for people with ID may also be related to transitions in
Received 1 April 2019
Revised 19 June 2019
29 July 2019
Accepted 31 July 2019
A special thank you to Learning
Disability staff in the Cheshire and
Wirral Partnership, especially to
those who developed the tool and
supported this project.
Trixie Mottershead is based at
the East Cheshire Community
Learning Disability Team,
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership
NHS Foundation Trust,
Cheshire, UK.
Ceri Woodrow is based at the
Assessment and Treatment
Unit for Adults with a Learning
Disability, Cheshire and Wirral
Partnership NHS Foundation
Trust, Cheshire, UK.
PAGE228
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VOL. 13 NO. 5 2019, pp.228-236, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282 DOI 10.1108/AMHID-04-2019-0009
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