Crisis stabilisation services for people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

Abstract

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities sometimes engage in challenging behaviours. When behaviours escalate to the point where they pose imminent risk to the safety of people and environments, a crisis occurs that jeopardises community living and participation. In these situations, timely access to crisis stabilisation services is required. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to synthesise evidence on effective crisis stabilisation service models for challenging behaviours. A total of 46 publications met the inclusion criteria. The literature describes a spectrum of crisis stabilisation services of varying intensities including: outreach, outpatient, inpatient, respite, and capacity building through education and training. However, there is limited guidance on how to best structure service models. This review highlights the need for comprehensive and person-centred programme evaluations.

Respite care models and practices for persons with intellectual disability: A scoping review

“…Murphy, Begley and Doyle ( 2021 ) reinforce the need to offer a range of responsive respite care services, while Guerin et al ( 2021 ) highlight the importance of alternative models of respite care. A focus on flexibility in duration, timing, and frequency of use, with emphasis on the need for crisis responses on a 24-h basis, especially for persons with ID and BTC seems underpinned by best practice and is supported in the literature (McCombe et al 2022 ). Long-term stays were minimally specified in line with the right to community living and deinstitutionalisation for persons with ID (Mansell 2006 ).…”