De-institutionalisation of people with learning disabilities, organisational changes and the impact on professional roles
View/ Open
Date
09/2008Author
Parlalis, Stavros K.
Metadata
Abstract
This study explores the development of a discharge programme in one learning
disability hospital in Scotland. The aim of the study is to explore professionals’
perceptions of how the discharge programme developed with a focus on capturing
professionals’ experience and knowledge so as to reach an understanding of how best
to facilitate a discharge programme and help professionals make the transition from
the institution to the community.
Different groups of professionals were interviewed and different views and
perspectives regarding the progress of de-institutionalisation were collected. Based on
the professionals’ perceptions and with a particular emphasis on those of social
workers, the following issues were identified as the key points which have to be taken
into account for facilitating stable progress in a discharge programme: the creation of
a consortium with centralized authority which includes the establishment of a formal
process and joint working between health and social work, the setting up of a socalled
“stakeholder” management model, the implementation of specific practices and
policies with regard to the actual discharges and arrangements for enhancing
professionals’ adaptability.