Using functional assessments to involve service users in their positive behaviour support plan
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence and practice    

Using functional assessments to involve service users in their positive behaviour support plan

Bronwen Davies Clinical Psychologist, Learning disabilities psychology, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Cwmbran, Wales
Hannah John-Evans Trainee Clinical Psychologist, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales
Nicky Francis Behavioural Clinical Specialist, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Cwmbran, Wales
Despina Lazarou Assistant Psychologist, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Cwmbran, Wales
Sara Morgan Clinical Psychologist, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, Wales
Jamie Hughes Community Nurse, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bridgend, Wales
Bethan Morris Behavioural Clinical Specialist, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Cwmbran, Wales

Why you should read this article
  • To understand the role of the service user in identifying their own care and support needs

  • To recognise that functional assessments are a central component of positive behaviour support

  • To enhance your knowledge of functional assessments and how they can be used to involve service users in their own care

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is the predominant model used in learning disability services to support people engaging in behaviour that challenges. Functional assessment is a central component of PBS. Service-user involvement in their care and treatment is a policy priority, yet little evidence exists about service user involvement in their PBS plan.

This article explores the development, clinical use and evaluation of a functional assessment for service users with a mild or moderate learning disability who can communicate verbally and who are engaging in behaviour that challenges. The assessment was evaluated by professionals in learning disability services and amendments were made to reflect their comments. Themes were identified in service users’ responses to the assessment, which showed its usefulness in ensuring their wishes and preferences were included in their PBS plan.

Learning Disability Practice. doi: 10.7748/ldp.2020.e2004

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and has been checked for plagiarism using automated software

Correspondence

Bronwen.Davies2@wales.nhs.uk

Conflict of interest

None declared

Davies B, John-Evans H, Francis N et al (2020) Using functional assessments to involve service users in their positive behaviour support plan. Learning Disability Practice. doi: 10.7748/ldp.2020.e2004

Published online: 23 January 2020

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