Evaluation of The Learning Disability Acute Care Bundle
In 2022, Improvement Cymru issued a tender for an evaluation of the Learning Disability Acute Care Bundle (Bowness, 2014) that had been introduced into practice across Wales in 2014.
The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether the care bundle should continue in its present form, be modified, or be discontinued.
The care bundle was introduced to improve the quality of care experienced by people with learning disabilities when admitted to acute care hospitals in Wales. It comprises four key elements:
- The early recognition of patients with learning disabilities.
- Effective communication with patients, carers, family members and clinicians.
- Dignified, person centred care and treatment.
- Effective review and discharge planning.
Since its implementation, however, there have been developments in both policy and service delivery. Evidence relating to the health needs of people with learning disabilities and strategies to reduce the health inequalities they experience has also expanded. Hence it was felt timely to review use of the care bundle and to make recommendations for future development.
