This course is designed to give health and social care workers a knowledge and understanding in relation to working with individuals who have behaviours that challenge. It is suitable for managers and workers in health and social care organisations.

The course begins by identifying what ‘Behaviours that Challenge’ are and the legislation / regulation associated with this area; Health and Social Care Act 2008 (regulated activities) Regulations 2014 and the Human Rights Act 2008. This module also includes details about types of behaviour and its function.

Module 2 explores why behaviours that challenge occur and how this happens. This includes looking at all the possible contributors to behaviour and explains slow and fast triggers where behaviour can occur as a cumulation of events or immediately. This module also discusses the differences between positive and negative reinforcement and how this strengthens the possibility of behaviour happening again. The Time Intensity Model shows how incidents occur and the levels of emotions and arousal that are experienced.

The 3^rd module shows, in your role as health and social care workers, how you can manage behaviours that challenge and support the individuals you work with appropriately. This is applied to positive behaviour support (PBS), which is a framework for developing an understanding of behaviours that challenge thus developing effective support. It explores proactive, active and reactive strategies looking at anticipating any behaviour that may occur and planning to avoid any unnecessary distress. Though where possible physical interventions should be avoided this is not always achievable as safety and dignity are primary considerations; this module therefore provides information regarding restrictive interventions and safeguarding.

The final stage of the course emphasises your role to assist an individual return to calm after incidents and reflect on the behaviour with them. This module explains the importance of recording and reviewing behaviour and individualised plans in order to work productively, reduce stress and enable continuity of service.

Course duration: up to approx. 1 hour, dependent on learner’s skills and abilities.