MPN regularly provide bespoke PBS assessments, plans and training for care environments that support clients with various types of brain injury and challenging behaviours.
Positive behaviour support (PBS) is an approach that aims to understand and address the causes of challenging behaviour in people with brain injury, and to promote positive outcomes for them and their carers. Challenging behaviour can include aggression, self-injury, verbal abuse, property damage, and non-compliance. It can have a negative impact on the person’s quality of life, as well as their relationships, health, and safety.
PBS is based on the principles of applied behaviour analysis, which is the science of how behaviour is influenced by the environment. PBS involves conducting a functional assessment of the challenging behaviour, which means identifying the triggers, consequences, and functions of the behaviour. For example, a person may display aggression because they are frustrated, bored, or in pain, and because they get attention, escape from a task, or obtain something they want as a result of their behaviour.
Based on the functional assessment, PBS develops a behaviour support plan that includes proactive strategies to prevent or reduce the challenging behaviour, and reactive strategies to manage the behaviour when it occurs. Proactive strategies may involve modifying the physical and social environment, teaching new skills, providing meaningful activities, and reinforcing positive behaviour. Reactive strategies may involve using calm communication, distraction, redirection, or removal of the trigger.
PBS also involves monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the behaviour support plan, and making adjustments as needed. PBS requires collaboration and consistency among all the people involved in the person’s care, such as family members, carers, and professionals. PBS also respects the person’s dignity, rights, and preferences, and seeks to enhance their wellbeing and participation in their community.
PBS has been shown to be an effective and ethical approach to managing challenging behaviour in people with brain injury. It can help to reduce the frequency and severity of the behaviour, as well as the use of restrictive practices, such as medication, seclusion, or restraint. It can also improve the person’s mood, self-esteem, social skills, and quality of life. PBS can also benefit the carers, by reducing their stress, increasing their confidence, and improving their relationship with the person.
Medicolegal-Psychology-Neuropsychology 