Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper presents the findings from a literature review related to community learning disability teams (CLDT). There is a paucity of evidence-based literature on the effectiveness of CLDTs with much of the existing literature being inspirational, theoretical or opinion based. Because of this it was considered that the current state of knowledge of CLDTs was insufficient to allow a systematic review and therefore a review of salient factors that impact on these teams was undertaken. A brief introduction to the early historical and philosophical influences on the development of CLDTs is provided. Following this detail of how CLDTs are structured and the common composition of such teams is discussed. The main challenges facing CLDTs as well as barriers that impact on the effective working of these teams is also provided. Based on the available evidence a number of good practice suggestions are forwarded that have the potential to enhance the work undertaken by CLDTs, but it is acknowledged that there is a need for more research into the effectiveness of these teams.