How have regional NHS services set up systemic clinics for people with learning disabilities in the community, and what is the evidence-base and theory underpinning this? – A consultancy project

This consultancy project explored how systemic clinics can be developed within Community Teams for People with Learning Disabilities (CTPLDs) in Berkshire. A literature review and interviews with clinicians from regional NHS Trusts were conducted to understand their practices and learning. Recommendations were made to guide local service development, with a focus on involving service users, collaborative team learning, and ongoing evaluation. Easy to read summary ■ A team of psychologists wanted to learn how to run systemic clinics (where people talk together to understand problems in families, care teams or services). ■ A trainee clinical psychologist looked at what the research says and spoke to staff in other NHS services to learn what works well in their systemic clinics. ■ The clinics help people with learning disabilities by involving family, carers, and staff in talking and solving problems together. ■ The psychologists were given ideas like being flexible, using clear language, giving people time to talk, and listening to everyone’s voice. They were also given recommendations like asking people what support they want, having a team away-day to plan together, and checking how well the clinics are working so they can keep getting better.