Malcolm Pearce and colleagues sought to measure the efficacy of specialist inpatient services

Following a 2005-06 study using Health of the Nation Outcome Scales learning disability scores to assess the outcomes of treatment of people with learning disabilities by community teams, the authors evaluate the results of interventions in a specialist inpatient unit. The scores of 31 clients on admission were compared with scores at discharge, with clients showing similar outcomes to those observed after community team interventions. The limitations and implications of the study are discussed.