Expert consensus on the operation of an adult tertiary intellectual disability mental health service in New South Wales, Australia

Objective: To identify and reach consensus on the priorities and operation of an adult tertiary intellectual disability mental health service in New South Wales, Australia. Method: An online Delphi consultation was conducted with 25 intellectual disability mental health experts. Results: Participants agreed that the service should involve a multidisciplinary team and accept people with an intellectual disability aged over 15 years with complex needs and/or atypical presentations. Agreed service roles included short-term assessment, diagnosis and treatment, providing high-level clinical advice, and capacity building. Endorsed principles and practical ways of working align with existing guidelines. Conclusions: This study describes experts’ views on how an adult tertiary intellectual disability mental health service should operate in New South Wales. Further consultation is needed to determine the views of people with an intellectual disability and mental health staff.