Evaluating Care Delivery

Abstract

Measurement and evaluation in learning disability services is still in its infancy. The researchers in this present study aimed to explore how good practice in relation to quality of care initiatives in dementia care transpose into learning disability settings. This was achieved by applying dementia care mapping (DCM) in learning disability environments to evaluate its effectiveness and efficiency in this setting. Results demonstrate the application of the method to be partially successful. The data produced compare favourably in quality, quantity and detail with those collected in dementia care areas. Analysis of data revealed great potential for the method; however, modification and adaptation of result indices and coding frameworks should be considered as possibilities for future work. The results have illuminated significant issues for care in the areas in which the method was used.