What is Positive Behaviour?
When reading the words positive behaviour, most people think of children being good or people being friendly, but positive behaviour within the healthcare setting refers to the actions and attitude of healthcare professionals who promotes the dignity, well-being and efficient care of patients as well their understanding of challenging behaviours.
Who is most vulnerable to challenging behaviour?
While these behaviours are not intentional misconduct and at times it may not be random, they do form part of communication when individuals cannot express exactly with words what they want to say, the individuals who may be at risk for different types of challenging behaviour are:
- People with learning disabilities: their needs may be communicated often through their behaviour
- Individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions: Positive behaviour and support was initially designed for this group of individuals
- People with impairments regarding communication: people who are non-verbal or possibly have sensory impairments.
- Adults with brain injuries or dementia: these individuals may suffer from cognitive or sensory impairments
- Patients with acute mental illness: people with schizophrenia, bipolar or personality disorders
- Young people and children who may experience emotional or behavioural difficulties (EBD): children with ADHD or oppositional disorders
- Individuals who may have experienced any trauma, neglect or being in restrictive environments
Positive Behaviour Management (PBM)
The main focus of positive behaviour management is what healthcare professional staff do in the moment especially during challenging behaviour or high-risk incidents.
Positive Behaviour and Support (PBS)
Positive Behaviour Support is a forward thinking and evidence-based approach which is focused on prevention of behaviours that are challenging and improving quality of life by understanding their roots.
What is general positive behaviour in healthcare?
- Empathy and Compassion – caring and understanding of the patients experience and feelings
- Dignity and Respect – valuing the rights and preferences of patients
- Positive communication – clear, respectful and kind language to be used when communicating with individuals
- Active Listening – making sure patients understand their needs
- Teamwork and collaboration – effectively working and communicating with colleagues for coordinated care of patients
Who should be trained in Positive Behaviour Management (PBM) and Positive Behaviour and Support (PBS) and why does it matter?
While the list may not be limited, below are examples of who needs to be trained in these areas and why:
| Role | Why It Matters |
| Support Workers & Carers | Daily contact with people needing consistent support |
| Nurses (especially RMNs) | Crucial for managing risk and ensuring safety in hospitals |
| Specialist Teachers / SEN Staff | Support children and young people with complex needs |
| Social Workers / OT / SLTs | Help create and maintain effective PBS plans |
| Residential & Community Care Staff | Essential in LD, autism, and dementia care settings |
| Service Managers / Leaders | Must understand both approaches to implement safely and lawfully |
What Legal and Policy Frameworks are essential regarding Positive Behaviour Management and Positive Behaviour and Support?
- Metal Capacity Act 2005
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Health and Social Care Act 2008
- NICE Guidelines (NG11 and NG93)
- Equality Act 2010
- CQC Regulation 13
- Oliver McGowan Training
Just a note:
By doing an online Positive Behaviour Management or Positive Behaviour and Support module with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD point per module. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate thereof.
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