MORTALITY AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY

Mortality in a population of more than 1,300 people with mental retard ation who live in the community was studied utilizing a case-by-case r eview and sentinel health event methodology. Death was noted in 14 peo ple over a 4-year period. Cause of death was identified as avoidable ( 3 patients), potentially avoidable (3)unavoidable (3), sudden unexplai ned death with a history of epilepsy (3) or other unexplained deaths ( 2): Factors influencing mortality and the delivery of health care serv ices were described. The sentinel health event methodology and case-by -case mortality reviews are recommended for monitoring avoidable death s in community residential settings for people with mental retardation .