Social climate in Learning Disability services

Abstract

Purpose – The social climate of psychiatric institutions correlates with multiple outcomes related to staff and patients. Research into social climate in Learning Disability services is limited. Staff and patients in Learning Disability services have documented both positive and negative experiences. No research has directly compared the social climate of Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability psychiatric services. The purpose of this paper is to understand how these compare. The study will also compare staff and patient views of social climate and the impact of security on social climate in Learning Disability services. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 64 patients and 73 staff, from Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability psychiatric hospitals completed the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) measure of social climate. Findings – Patients in Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability services did not differ in their perceptions of social climate. Staff in non-Learning Disability services had a more positive perception of social climate than staff in Learning Disability services. Patients and staff did not differ in their views on climate. Security was negatively related to patients’ Experienced Safety. Originality/value – The findings suggest that staff perceive that the deficits associated with Learning Disabilities may limit patients’ therapeutic experience and relationships with their peers. Despite this, patients with Learning Disabilities feel supported by their peers, have positive views of the treatment process and feel as safe as non-Learning Disabled psychiatric patients.

Psychometric properties of the Group Climate Instrument (GCI) in individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning

“…Although the relationship between living group climate and treatment outcomes is well researched and well documented in forensic and psychiatric services since Moos' early research in the 1960s, research into these outcomes for individuals with MID‐BIF is largely lacking (Moos ; Willets et al . ; Tonkin ; Bell et al . ).…”

“…As shown above, research highlights the importance of understanding living group climate in the light of effective treatment for individuals with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning (MID-BIF, Bressington et al 2011;Schubert et al 2012;Tonkin 2015). Although the relationship between living group climate and treatment outcomes is well researched and well documented in forensic and psychiatric services since Moos' early research in the 1960s, research into these outcomes for individuals with MID-BIF is largely lacking (Moos 1989;Willets et al 2014;Tonkin 2015;Bell et al 2017). Tonkin (2015) shows that living group climate can be measured in a reliable and valid manner, and several instruments are available for measuring living group climate in clients without MID-BIF.…”

Measuring the violence prevention climate: Development and evaluation of the VPC-14

“…The EssenCES was designed to measure the ward climate in forensic mental health settings, but has been used in prisons and learning disability settings (Day et al, 2012, Willets et al, 2014. Violence prevention measures are included in the therapeutic hold and patient cohesion factors.…”

A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Outcome Domains for use Within Forensic Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Four studies included in the review measured quality of life using a number of ratings scales, such as the Quality of Life Questionnaire 36 or Life Experience Checklist, 71 whereas three other studies focused on therapeutic milieu or ward atmosphere using either the Correctional Institutions Environment Scale 70 or the EssenCES Climate Evaluation Scale. 69,72 Three studies focused on patient satisfaction in response to service development, and only a single study considered patient involvement as an indicator of outcome.…”