The development and evaluation of an integrated intensive support service

Purpose This paper aims to describe the development and evaluation of integrated intensive support service (ISS) for adults with learning disabilities who have complex needs and are at risk of admission to an inpatient unit. Design/methodology/approach Existing services were remodelled. The service explored external service models and established an integrated ISS comprising intensive community support and intensive support beds. Findings Data indicates that the majority of people referred to the service avoid both admission to an inpatient unit and placement breakdown. Most people admitted to the inpatient unit are not known to community services. Length of stay has significantly reduced. Practical implications Other services can use the information to remodel how to provide intensive support and avoid admission to an inpatient unit. Originality/value It demonstrates how remodelling can drive improvements to reduce placement breakdown and risk of admission.

The Inpatient Unit in a Cancer Center

Despite emergence of effective novel cancer therapies that can be administered outside the hospital setting for various solid tumor and hematologic malignancies, a significant number of patients still require treatment in the inpatient setting, owing to the nature of the treatment, duration, and frequency, or to the level of supportive care required to administer such treatments, among others. Apart from specialized trained physicians and nurses, the number of inpatient team services has expanded significantly to meet the complex needs of patients and their families. We acknowledge that there is no universal model for how an inpatient unit should be built and developed; it depends on financial resources, population density, and societal factors, among others. Here, we describe the main components of an inpatient unit in a cancer center. The ultimate goal must be to provide a safe environment for cancer patients and to facilitate delivery of care in an efficient manner.