Evidencing good practice in adult protection: informing the protection of people with learning disabilities from abuse

The detailed analysis of key concerns and good practice can be found in Northway et al (2004). Table 2 highlights examples of key concerns and good practice from each of the six thematic areas. What is interesting is that extensive mapping has to take place from the identified problem to the proposed solution.

The development of evidence to inform policy and practice

The focus on certain aspects of adult protection to the exclusion of others appears to reflect trends in practice. For example, the relatively recent appearance of articles covering financial abuse (for example, Bond et al, 1999; Manthorpe & Bradley, 1998) mirrors the appearance of this form of abuse in definitions within policies. Some gaps do exist in the literature that can leave areas of adult protection lacking an evidence base for practice. For example, the challenge of ensuring that a policy is implemented in such a way as to significantly impact upon practice remains largely un-addressed.

Some of the limitations of applying research output to practice have already been discussed. However, perhaps the most significant obstacle was the need for research results or well-informed opinion to be translated into the language' of policy makers or practitioners. This is most likely to be achieved through a promotion of the collaborative research/practice initiatives. This way the adult protection research agenda can be closely aligned to the current challenges faced by policy makers and practitioners.

Researchers can inform adult protection not only by looking forward and making recommendations for policy and practice, they can also add to the debate lessons from the past that can inform what is done today. Reports into the inquiries of abuse (for example, Buckinghamshire County Council, 1998; Committee of Inquiry, 1969; Committee of Inquiry into Normansfield Hospital, 1978) and other sources detailing abusive regimes (for example, Tsiantis et al, 2000) provide rich sources of data that have relevance today. Another important contribution researchers can make is ensuring that new initiatives undergo systematic evaluation. Applying scientific rigour to the assessment of the impact of a new development, for example an adult protection training programme, enables the 'active ingredients' of such a programme to be identified and to be replicated in other contexts.

Conclusion

Providing an evidence base for health and social care practice is a requirement of modern service provision. The new field of adult protection is some way off from a definitive guide to good practice. However, the pace of policy development coupled with the embracing of a broad sweep of research evidence presents opportunities for good practice to be identified, reported and acted upon. Collaborative working between all stakeholders and including researchers is key to ensuring that this evidence base continues to grow and is given the priority deserving of protecting vulnerable adults.

References

Abrams HA, Nuehring E & Zuckerman M (1984) Preventing Abuse and Neglect A Staff Training Curriculum for Facilities Serving Developmental!)/ Disabled Persons. Miami Shores, Florida: Barry University