Positive Behavioural Support

Abstract

Introduction: During April and June of 2022, we conducted a nine-week Participatory Community Practice Project in collaboration with the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN). The project was initiated as a result of an increased display of patient agitation voiced by the multidisciplinary teams at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH). This project endeavoured to collate and advocate the best available evidence-based practice of Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) strategies to support agitated patients.

Objectives: The project aimed to improve the management and support of patients displaying significant distress and behavioural agitation in acute care settings.

Discussion and Outcomes: During the project, Project Facilitators (PF) appraised black and white literature from various databases to collate rich information. The PF also collaborated with the reference group to obtain grey literature including expert opinions and experiences. It was found that staff are not formally trained in preventing agitation and do not utilise formal screening tools. The PF facilitated an in-service presentation to occupational therapists (OT) at the RAH and TQEH. Following this, a survey was developed to elicit feedback from the reference group to evaluate the quality of findings and identify any gaps in staffs’ knowledge. The findings were presented in poster form to further promote advocacy and awareness of PBS in acute settings. The RAH and TQEH staff reported they were more knowledgeable of the priorities and needs of patients such as factors contributing to agitation.

Conclusion: The project and research initiatives delved into the many ‘PossibilOTs’ where CALHN staff can effectively implement evidence-based PBS interventions in practice. It also increased staff’s awareness of specific PBS strategies and resources available within CALHN.

Implications of project/presentation: The design and implementation of the project were guided by community development and OT approaches. Community participation and community empowerment were considered throughout the project to facilitate the sustainability of long-term project outcomes. The findings of the project have facilitated meaningful conversations with CALHN staff to further support agitated patients.