Recent research led by Multicap team members Sarah Hutchison, Simon Wardale and Trent Carberry in collaboration with Dr Maria Vassos from the University of Queensland critiques a previous article that questioned the effectiveness of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
The article addresses challenging behaviours and reducing restrictive practices for people with disabilities.
Their response, published in Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, defends PBS, emphasising that when implemented correctly, it can yield positive outcomes.
Key points from the research:
- Critique of previous claims: The original article argued that PBS was ineffective in managing challenging behaviours. In contrast, Hutchison and her team assert that extensive literature supports the effectiveness of PBS when it is aligned with its core principles, such as applied behaviour analysis and person-cantered practices.
- Importance of proper implementation: The researchers emphasise that PBS must not just be applied to meet legal requirements but should adhere to the foundational elements of PBS. This adherence ensures fidelity in practice, leading to better outcomes.
- Evidence of success: Data presented in their article shows that effective PBS can significantly reduce challenging behaviours and, consequently, the use of restrictive practices. This counters the claims made in the original article, highlighting that mislabelling practices as PBS can misrepresent its effectiveness in Australia.
- Call for better practices: The authors advocate for improved service delivery that truly reflects PBS principles, supported by appropriate legislation and ongoing research. They stress that better training and evaluation can further demonstrate the benefits of PBS for people with disabilities.
- Conclusion: The research concludes that when PBS is correctly implemented, it not only reduces challenging behaviours but also mitigates the need for restrictive practices. Instead of focusing on eliminating these practices, the authors argue for a focus on reducing challenging behaviours, positioning PBS as a key strategy in achieving this goal.
Chief Clinical and Practice Officer, Simon Wardale said Multicap’s team of highly skilled and qualified PBS Practitioners are achieving outstanding client outcomes.
“Our dynamic team is delivering high-level, evidence-based clinical intervention to people who engage in challenging behaviour, and it is improving the quality of live for people,” said Simon.
“This critique highlights the need for clarity and adherence to the core principles of Positive Behaviour Support in disability services.
“By emphasising proper implementation and continuous improvement, there is a pathway to enhance the quality of care and support for people with disabilities in Australia,” he said.
Lead researcher Trent Carberry said the research clearly demonstrates that when Positive Behaviour Support is implemented with fidelity, it can lead to significant reductions in challenging behaviours and the use of restrictive practices.
“Rather than seeking to eliminate restrictive practices altogether, we should focus on reducing the challenging behaviours that necessitate them in the first place,” Trent said. “Positive Behaviour Support provides that pathway.”
Multicap’s PBS team works with people with disability, their families, support networks and other allied health professionals to reduce challenging behaviours which cause harm to self and others, while also increasing skills and community participation.
Visit the website to learn more about Multicap’s Positive Behaviour Support service or call 1300 135 886.