Reliability and validity of the CANDID--a needs assessment instrument for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.
BACKGROUND
People with learning disabilities and mental health problems have complex needs. Care should be provided according to need.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a standardised needs-assessment instrument for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.


METHODS
The Camberwell Assessment of Need for Adults with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (CANDID) was developed by modifying the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN). Concurrent validity was tested using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS). Test-retest and interrater reliability were investigated using 40 adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.


RESULTS
CANDID scores were significantly correlated with both DAS (P < 0.05) and GAF scores (P < 0.01). Correlation coefficients for interrater reliability were 0.93 (user), 0.90 (career), and 0.97 (staff ratings); for test-retest reliability they were 0.71, 0.69 and 0.86 respectively. Mean interview duration was less than 30 minutes.


CONCLUSIONS
The CANDID is a brief, valid and reliable needs assessment instrument for adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.
Xenitidis
K
K
Section of Community Psychiatry (PRiSM), Institute of Psychiatry, London.
Thornicroft
G
G
Leese
M
M
Slade
M
M
Fotiadou
M
M
Philp
H
H
Sayer
J
J
Harris
E
E
McGee
D
D
Murphy
D G
DG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D015588:Observer Variation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*