New National Study Examines Effectiveness of Care, Education and Treatment Reviews
A new national research project is examining how Care, Education and Treatment Reviews (C(E)TRs) are experienced by autistic people, people with learning disabilities, and the professionals and families involved in supporting them. The CECiLiA Study, led by the University of Birmingham in partnership with NHS Trusts and national charities, has released its first newsletter outlining early progress and opportunities for involvement.
C(E)TRs play a critical role in decisions affecting education, care, and health pathways, particularly for children and young people at risk of long-term hospital admission. The CECiLiA project aims to identify what makes these reviews effective, equitable, and genuinely person-centred, with a strong emphasis on learning from lived experience.
Since launching its first national survey, the study has already received responses from more than 300 participants.
Education professionals who have participated in, or supported, C(E)TRs within the past 12 months are among those encouraged to take part. Survey respondents are offered a £20 voucher in recognition of their time.
Later stages of the research will involve observing C(E)TR meetings across England and interviewing those involved, including education staff. The project aims to follow a small number of children and adults through the review process to better understand how decisions are made and how outcomes are experienced over time.
In addition, the research team is analysing national NHS data to explore longer-term patterns, such as length of hospital stay and outcomes following C(E)TRs, helping to build a more comprehensive evidence base.
A distinctive feature of the CECiLiA Study is its Lived Experience Advisory Panels, delivered in partnership with organisations including the National Autistic Society and Learning Disability England. These panels ensure that autistic people, individuals with learning disabilities, and carers shape the research at every stage.
The final stage of the project will bring together findings from all strands of the research to produce good practice guidance for conducting C(E)TRs. This guidance is intended to support professionals across education, health, and social care to improve consistency, quality, and outcomes for children, young people, and adults.
Find out more about the study at CECiLiA Study.
