Positive behaviour support for challenging behaviour after acquired brain injury: An introduction to PBS + PLUS and three case studies

Improving emotion regulation ability after brain injury: A systematic review of targeted interventions

Emotion dysregulation is a common sequela after a brain injury, and it can have serious negative consequences for individuals, families, and the community. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify and evaluate interventions designed to improve emotion regulation ability in adults with acquired brain injury. Studies were identified on ProQuest, PsycInfo, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science; last searched on 3 August 2023. A review protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020218175). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (version 2). Sixteen studies were included in the review comprising one case series, five pilot studies, four pre-post studies, and six RCTs. There was a total of 652 participants across studies. Fourteen of the sixteen studies reported statistically significant improvements in at least one emotional functioning variable. Ten studies reported medium-large effect sizes. Limitations included inconsistency in the measurement, reporting of intervention outcomes and processes. Future directions are discussed.

Family experiences of the management of challenging behaviours after traumatic brain injury in the acute hospital setting

PURPOSE

This study explored experiences of the management of challenging behaviours after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the acute hospital setting from the perspectives of family members.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A qualitative, interpretive phenomenological approach was adopted involving semi-structured interviews with 10 family members. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, with Ecological Systems Theory applied as a guiding framework to discuss findings and implications for practice.

RESULTS

Four primary themes were identified: 1) The hospital environment; 2) Hospital staffing; 3) Identifying and preventing triggers, and 4) Family support and information.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative study highlights the need for further information, education, and support to families of patients with TBI in the acute setting. Further research investigating the implementation of best practice approaches for managing challenging behaviours practice in acute settings is needed to overcome the barriers of the hospital environment, inexperienced and inconsistent staffing, and difficulties identifying triggers within the acute hospital setting, experienced by families. Approaches for family involvement in behaviour management strategies, and facilitation of communication for people with TBI in the acute setting requires exploration.

Factors associated with self-awareness impairment in an inpatient brain injury rehabilitation cohort

BACKGROUND

Self-awareness impairment is common following acquired brain injury and can impact rehabilitation outcomes. Knowledge of factors associated with impaired self-awareness may assist with rehabilitation planning.

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with self-awareness and determine predictors of self-awareness impairment for adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of rehabilitation inpatients was conducted by medical record audit. Self-awareness was measured using the Self-awareness of Deficits Interview (SADI). Relationships between SADI scores and demographic and clinical variables were identified with non-parametric statistics. Predictors of SADI scores were identified using ordinal regression analyses for TBI and stroke groups.

RESULTS

Participants were 149 adults (18-70 years) with TBI (n = 110) and stroke (n = 39). For TBI, longer post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), lower functional cognition/communication, and behaviors of concern (BoC) were significantly associated with higher SADI scores (i.e. impaired self-awareness). For stroke, lower functional cognition/communication and motor scores were associated with higher SADI scores. Impaired self-awareness was predicted by PTA duration, acute length of stay and presence of BoC for the TBI group, and by functional cognition/communication for the stroke group.

CONCLUSION

Different factors were associated with impaired self-awareness for individuals with TBI and stroke during inpatient rehabilitation.

A window into the reality of families living long term with challenging behaviours after a TBI

Challenging behaviours are a long-term burden for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. Families frequently shoulder the responsibility alone, but little is known about the strategies they use to manage these behaviours. This study aimed to 1) identify the coping strategies used by people with TBI living in the community and their family caregivers to manage challenging behaviours; and 2) describe the similarities and differences between strategies used by people with TBI and caregivers. In this qualitative descriptive design, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults with TBI and their caregivers and were inductively analyzed. The sample included 10 dyads and two triads, totalling 12 caregivers (8 women) and 14 individuals with TBI (6 women; 21.71 ± 10.84 years post-injury). Participants' strategies were proactive (prevention), reactive (response), or retroactive (aftercare). Most strategies were described by caregivers. Some of them were effective and lasting, others not, reflecting how they adapted their approaches over time. Families put in place various strategies in their life's journey, such as giving feedback or adapting the environment. Despite these strategies supporting long-term community living, the need for ongoing support is underscored, as crises may still occur, impacting families' quality of life.

The dual reality of challenging behaviours: Overlapping and distinct perspectives of individuals with TBI and their caregivers

Challenging behaviours significantly impact the lives of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their family caregivers. However, these behaviours are rarely defined from the perspectives of both individuals, a necessary step to developing interventions targeting meaningful goals for individuals and caregivers. This study aimed to (1) explore and confirm the perspective of individuals with TBI living in the community and their family caregivers on behaviours they consider challenging and, (2) identify overlapping or distinct views on challenging behaviours. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Twelve caregivers (8 females; 59.67 ± 11.64 years old) and 14 participants with mild-severe TBI (6 females; 43.21 ± 10.98 years old; time post-injury: 21.71 ± 10.84 years) were interviewed (10 dyads and two triads). Data were analysed using inductive qualitative analysis. Challenging behaviours most frequently reported by all participants were aggressive/impulsive behaviours, inappropriate social behaviours, and behavioural manifestations of cognitive impairments. Overlapping perspectives were identified regarding aggressive behaviours. Distinctions exist as inappropriate social behaviours and cognitive difficulties were mainly reported by caregivers. Our results confirm that perspectives may vary between dyad members. Interventions should include dyad inputs to formulate goals that are significant to the person with TBI and their caregiver.

Co-designing positive behaviour support (PBS+PLUS) training resources: a qualitative study of people with ABI, close-others, and clinicians' experiences

Background Challenging behaviours are often a significant difficulty faced following acquired brain injury (ABI), for which PBS+PLUS (a Positive Behaviour Support framework) is an effective intervention. Clinicians report experiencing a range of barriers to supporting behaviour change for individuals with ABI and require tailored resources to support the implementation of PBS+PLUS. This study aimed to describe the process of co-designing a PBS+PLUS intervention guidebook and podcast series together with individuals with ABI, close-others, and clinicians, and qualitatively examine co-design experiences. Methods The Knowledge-To-Action Framework was followed to support the translation of PBS+PLUS into clinical practice. Participants with ABI (n  = 4), close-others (n  = 7), and clinicians (n  = 3) participated in focus groups contributing to the development of a PBS+PLUS intervention guidebook and podcast series. Following completion of the groups, qualitative interviews were conducted to understand participants' perspectives of the co-design experience. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Co-design processes are described, and participants provided practical suggestions for co-design and the dissemination of developed resources. Two core themes encapsulating four sub-themes were identified. Firstly, 'Esteeming Experiences ' described the person-driven approach of co-design whereby participants felt supported and connected with other contributors and facilitators through sharing their perspectives. Secondly, 'Empowerment ' reflected participants' increased confidence and skills in applying PBS+PLUS. Conclusions Overall, participants endorsed the therapeutic benefits of co-design engagement and high utility of PBS+PLUS resources. This study adds to the growing literature supporting the use of co-design methodology within clinical implementation, and is inclusive of individuals with ABI, close-others, and clinicians.

"It's Opened My Eyes to a Whole New World": Positive Behaviour Support Training for Staff and Family Members Supporting Residents With Dementia in Aged Care Settings

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the acceptability and usefulness of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) training in enhancing the capabilities of support staff and family members providing behaviour support to residents with dementia in residential aged care (RAC).

METHODS

A mixed-methods pilot study was conducted across 3 RAC organisations, involving pre- and post-training questionnaire assessments for clinical leaders (n = 8), support staff (n = 37) and family members (n = 18).

RESULTS

Findings indicated increased confidence among support staff and family members in providing behaviour support, with 96% indicating it would support their practices across settings. Key training benefits included identifying and addressing underlying causes of challenging behaviours. A majority (89%) expressed the need for further behaviour support training.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations focus on developing systems to enable effective and collaborative behaviour support practices. Further research is needed to examine application of PBS principles and planning for residents living with dementia.

Neuro-behavioural changes after acquired brain injury: The role of the occupational therapist; the interventions they use and why

INTRODUCTION

Almost half of the people living with acquired brain injury experience behavioural changes, yet there is lack of clarity both in the literature, and through major stakeholders internationally, regarding how occupational therapists contribute to neuro-behavioural rehabilitation and what their role is in this context.

METHODS

This study answers the research question: What do occupational therapists perceive as their role in behavioural rehabilitation with adults living with acquired brain injury, and what treatment approaches, if any, are they using to promote occupation? A national, qualitative, bounded case study design using semi-structured interviews was used to explore what the role of the occupational therapist is in neuro-behavioural rehabilitation across subacute brain injury units in Australia.

FINDINGS

Four themes were identified which provide clarification on the role of the occupational therapist in neuro-behavioural rehabilitation: You change the task, you change the environment, change the person; build a safe rapport; the sensory stuff is huge and, finally, owning how we think.

CONCLUSION

This bounded case study provides insight into how occupational therapists perceive their role and the interventions they use to promote occupational engagement. The lack of recognition of the occupational therapist role is a barrier to providing appropriate neuro-behavioural rehabilitation. This case study identified sensory approaches, building safe rapport and adapting the environment as the main interventions used in neuro-behavioural rehabilitation by occupational therapists.

Behaviour support for people with acquired brain injury within the National Disability Insurance Scheme: an Australian survey of the provider market

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

People with acquired brain injury (ABI) may experience behaviours of concern that require therapy services, including behaviour support. In Australia, the implementation of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and development of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, has led to significant changes to behaviour support workforce processes, and the way behaviour support is funded, regulated and delivered to people with ABI who are Scheme participants. The aim of this study was to explore the current and future provider market of professionals providing behaviour supports to Scheme participants who experience ABI.

METHOD

An anonymous survey was designed and distributed via social media channels, an email listserv and professional association newsletters to professionals working within the NDIS in Australia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred and two surveys responses were analysed. A majority of professionals had an average understanding of the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission rules and policies on behaviour support. Responses to current and future registration as an NDIS Practitioner indicated the workforce gap could increase by between 17 and 26%. Respondents also raised concerns about the lack of training and experience of allied health professional students and graduates in addressing behaviours of concern. Responses to the open-ended question highlighted additional issues in the provision of behaviour support within the NDIS.

CONCLUSIONS

This research highlighted the need for an NDIS behaviour support workforce strategy and supply-side market intervention to ensure a viable and sustainable workforce for people with ABI who need behaviour support.

Delivery of Neuropsychological Interventions for Adult and Older Adult Clinical Populations: An Australian Expert Working Group Clinical Guidance Paper

Delivery of neuropsychological interventions addressing the cognitive, psychological, and behavioural consequences of brain conditions is increasingly recognised as an important, if not essential, skill set for clinical neuropsychologists. It has the potential to add substantial value and impact to our role across clinical settings. However, there are numerous approaches to neuropsychological intervention, requiring different sets of skills, and with varying levels of supporting evidence across different diagnostic groups. This clinical guidance paper provides an overview of considerations and recommendations to help guide selection, delivery, and implementation of neuropsychological interventions for adults and older adults. We aimed to provide a useful source of information and guidance for clinicians, health service managers, policy-makers, educators, and researchers regarding the value and impact of such interventions. Considerations and recommendations were developed by an expert working group of neuropsychologists in Australia, based on relevant evidence and consensus opinion in consultation with members of a national clinical neuropsychology body. While the considerations and recommendations sit within the Australian context, many have international relevance. We include (i) principles important for neuropsychological intervention delivery (e.g. being based on biopsychosocial case formulation and person-centred goals); (ii) a description of clinical competencies important for effective intervention delivery; (iii) a summary of relevant evidence in three key cohorts: acquired brain injury, psychiatric disorders, and older adults, focusing on interventions with sound evidence for improving activity and participation outcomes; (iv) an overview of considerations for sustainable implementation of neuropsychological interventions as 'core business'; and finally, (v) a call to action.

Goal Attainment Scaling in rehabilitation: An educational review providing a comprehensive didactical tool box for implementing Goal Attainment Scaling

CONTEXT

Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a person-centered and collaborative approach, allowing to assess the effectiveness of an intervention on personally relevant goals. However, GAS is not a "scale" but a heterogeneous group of methodologies, including many variations and lack of consensus on high quality GAS.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this communication is to: 1. provide updated didactical information on GAS use in PRM practice and research; 2. increase awareness of GAS methodological challenges; 3. guide use of GAS as an integrated process of rehabilitation after goal setting and; 4. provide updated resources for self-directed learning and extensive supplemental material to increase knowledge and practical skills in GAS use.

METHODS

Educational literature review about current GAS applications relevant to PRM fields.

RESULTS

Practical advice is provided regarding clinical challenges in GAS: definition of 0 level, time-frame and means employed to attain the goal, dealing with unforeseen pattern of improvement, synthesizing the numerous significations of "SMART" goal acronym to guide best use of GAS, and thinking flexibility on the type of relevant goals that can be set. Challenges with GAS in rehabilitation research are presented in order to promote researcher's and reviewer's awareness on reliable use of GAS and encouraging best-use of GAS.

The Behaviour Support Elements Checklist: Profiling intervention elements in community-based behaviour support for sexualised behavior after acquired brain injury

BACKGROUND

The challenges associated with behavior dysregulation post acquired brain injury (ABI) are well documented. In a previous publication, we described a case series in which sexualized behavior post-ABI was reduced using multi-element behavior support interventions. In this publication, we describe the intervention elements used, as summarized using a one-page recording tool: The Behavior Support Elements Checklist (BSEC).

INSTRUMENT

The BSEC contains three categories indicating the target for change: the individual with ABI, their support network members, or other environmental aspects. Each category lists a number of elements being used in the routine practice of a community-based behavior support service.

RESULTS

In total, 173 intervention elements were recommended, averaging seven per participant. Elements from all three categories were routinely incorporated into interventions, but changes to the (category) environment were rated by clinicians as most effective in changing behavior; some elements (e.g., meaningful activities) were considered more effective than others (e.g., ABI education).

CONCLUSIONS

The BSEC could assist service agencies and researchers to record and analyze clinician practices to improve service delivery, detect professional development needs, and steer resource allocation. Although the BSEC reflects the context in which it was constructed, it could readily be adapted to other service contexts.

Humane and Comprehensive Management of Challenging Behaviour in Health and Social Care: Cross-Sectional Study Testing Newly Developed Instrument

BACKGROUND

Management of challenging behaviour causes victimization and violates the human rights of service users in psychiatric and long-term settings for people having mental health issues and learning disabilities. The purpose of the research was to develop and test an instrument for measuring humane behaviour management (HCMCB). The research was guided by the following questions: (1) What is the structure and content of the Human and Comprehensive management of Challenging Behaviour (HCMCB) instrument, (2) What are the psychometric properties of the HCMCB instrument, and (3) How do Finnish health and social care professionals evaluate their humane and comprehensive management of challenging behaviour?

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design and STROBE checklist were applied. A convenience sample of health and social care professionals (n = 233) studying at the University of Applied Sciences (n = 13) was recruited.

RESULTS

The EFA revealed a 14-factor structure and included a total of 63 items. The Cronbach's alpha values for factors varied from 0.535 to 0.939. The participants rated their individual competence higher than leadership and organizational culture.

CONCLUSIONS

HCMCB is a useful tool for evaluating competencies, leadership, and organizational practices in the context of challenging behaviour. HCMCB should be further tested in various international contexts involving challenging behaviour with large samples and longitudinal design.

Family matters: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of family-oriented interventions for children with acquired brain injuries

INTRODUCTION

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a leading cause of disability among children. An increasing number of programs have emerged to involve family members as an integral component of post-ABI rehabilitation. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of such programs among children with ABI.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, search among six databases (PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL) was conducted, followed by abstract/full-text screening and data extraction. Hedge's g was computed for effect sizes. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane guidelines. Meta-regression analyses were conducted on six moderators.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies (reported in 37 articles) were included in the qualitative analysis. Meta-analysis of 20 studies showed a positive small-to-medium effect of family-oriented interventions on child and parental outcomes but not on family functioning. Study design moderated the effect sizes of parent outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study synthesized the latest empirical evidence of family-oriented rehabilitation programs for pediatric ABI across interventional strategies, study designs, and outcomes. The findings suggested an overall beneficial impact of such programs on both the pediatric patients and their caregivers.

Individualized goal attainment scaling during a trial of positive behaviour support in adults with acquired brain injury

BACKGROUND

Challenging behaviours after acquired brain injury (ABI) cause distress and reduce community participation. Evidence-based and effective interventions are needed. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) interventions, such as PBS + PLUS, are person-driven and context-sensitive approaches which aim to improve quality of life and enhance behavioural self-regulation. This study aimed to expand the empirical outcomes of a recent waitlist-controlled trial of PBS + PLUS by examining individualized goal attainment.

METHOD

Participants were 44 adults with severe ABI sustained on average nine years previously (Range = 0.6-26) from the combined trial cohort who completed the intervention. Using Goal Attainment Scaling, trial therapists developed and reviewed goals collaboratively with the person with ABI and their natural supports.

RESULTS

The 182 goals in the sample focussed on psychological wellbeing, interpersonal relationships, routines and self-care. By the end of 12-month intervention, 84.6% of goals were achieved and 53.3% exceeded their expected outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate high levels of personally meaningful outcomes in a broad range of life-domains can be obtained for participants with severe ABI using PBS + PLUS. Whilst these results should be considered in combination with the findings of the waitlist-controlled trial, they contribute to the growing literature regarding benefits of PBS in enhancing quality of life post-ABI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry identifier: ACTRN12616001704482.

"I've never been positive … I am now": Participant perspectives of a Positive Behaviour Support intervention (PBS + PLUS) for community-living individuals with ABI and their close others

Challenging behaviours are common following moderate to severe acquired brain injury (ABI). These behaviours cause relationship and community participation difficulties and are a significant source of stress for many individuals with ABI and their close others (COs). A Positive Behaviour Support intervention, PBS + PLUS, was implemented to assist individuals with ABI to collaboratively build meaningful lives and self-regulate their behaviour. This study explored the perspectives of individuals with ABI and COs (family members, friends, and carers) who had completed an individualized 12-month PBS + PLUS intervention. Fifty-two individuals participated in semi-structured interviews, and a thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified the interrelated themes of Openness to Change, Embeddedness, Clinician Connection, and Preparedness for the Future. Participant perceptions of, and engagement with, PBS + PLUS were influenced by an attitude of openness to new ideas and by the intervention itself. Achieving contextual relevance allowed the intervention to become embedded in participants' lives, and the client-clinician relationship was central to participants' positive experiences. While most participants felt better equipped to cope with the future, some experienced difficulties transitioning to post-intervention life. These results suggest PBS + PLUS may assist individuals with ABI to lead meaningful lives and more confidently overcome behavioural challenges, while encouraging supportive and empowered COs.

Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Agitation during Post-Traumatic Amnesia following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Agitation is common in the early recovery period following traumatic brain injury (TBI), known as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). Non-pharmacological interventions are frequently used to manage agitation, yet their efficacy is largely unknown. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for agitation during PTA in adults with TBI. Key databases searched included MEDLINE Ovid SP interface, PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database, PsycINFO and CENTRAL, with additional online reviewing of key journals and clinical trial registries to identify published or unpublished studies up to May 2020. Eligible studies included participants aged 16 years and older, showing agitated behaviours during PTA. Any non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation were considered, with any comparator accepted. Eligible studies were critically appraised for methodological quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instruments and findings were reported in narrative form. Twelve studies were included in the review: two randomized cross-over trials, three quasi-experimental studies, four cases series and three case reports. Non-pharmacological interventions were music therapy, behavioural strategies and environmental modifications, physical restraints and electroconvulsive therapy. Key methodological concerns included absence of a control group, a lack of formalised agitation measurement and inconsistent concomitant use of pharmacology. Interventions involving music therapy had the highest level of evidence, although study quality was generally low to moderate. Further research is needed to evaluate non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation during PTA after TBI.Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42020186802), registered May 2020.

Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Agitation during Post-Traumatic Amnesia following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Agitation is common in the early recovery period following traumatic brain injury (TBI), known as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). Non-pharmacological interventions are frequently used to manage agitation, yet their efficacy is largely unknown. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for agitation during PTA in adults with TBI. Key databases searched included MEDLINE Ovid SP interface, PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database, PsycINFO and CENTRAL, with additional online reviewing of key journals and clinical trial registries to identify published or unpublished studies up to May 2020. Eligible studies included participants aged 16 years and older, showing agitated behaviours during PTA. Any non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation were considered, with any comparator accepted. Eligible studies were critically appraised for methodological quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instruments and findings were reported in narrative form. Twelve studies were included in the review: two randomized cross-over trials, three quasi-experimental studies, four cases series and three case reports. Non-pharmacological interventions were music therapy, behavioural strategies and environmental modifications, physical restraints and electroconvulsive therapy. Key methodological concerns included absence of a control group, a lack of formalised agitation measurement and inconsistent concomitant use of pharmacology. Interventions involving music therapy had the highest level of evidence, although study quality was generally low to moderate. Further research is needed to evaluate non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation during PTA after TBI.

Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42020186802), registered May 2020.

Clinical perspectives on delivering a Positive Behaviour Support intervention for challenging behaviours following acquired brain injury

Challenging behaviours are distressing sequelae for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their families. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a collaborative approach focussing on improving quality of life for individuals with ABI presenting with challenging behaviours. This qualitative study explored clinicians' experiences of a 12-month intervention (PBS+PLUS) for adults with ABI and their family/carers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight clinicians trained in neuropsychology (n = 5), occupational therapy (n = 3), speech pathology (n = 2), with two clinicians trained in two of these disciplines. Interviews were analysed through reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: Shifting clinical identity; Working as equals; Adapting to the environment. Participants experienced PBS+PLUS as a difficult approach to learn but one which enhanced overt client communication and comfort with their clinical fallibility. PBS+PLUS involved giving clients equal status in the clinician-client relationship which for some clients and families was challenging. Finally, PBS+PLUS was perceived as problematic to implement in some work settings (e.g., involving high staff turnover). Clinicians' recommendations for future implementation included thorough training and supervision and early setting of client expectations. With increasing interest in PBS to address challenging behaviours after ABI, these findings will guide PBS+PLUS translation for community clinicians.

‘We struggle and muddle.’ A qualitative study exploring community ABI therapists’ experiences of using, training in and implementing behaviour interventions

Objectives:

Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) may present with challenging behaviours (CB) that place themselves and others at risk of harm and impact their community integration. It is crucial for community ABI therapists to successfully train in and implement behaviour interventions. The current study aimed to investigate community ABI therapists’ experiences of using, training in and implementing behaviour interventions. An additional aim was to determine these therapists’ understanding of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), one approach to addressing CB with a focus on improving quality of life.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 Australian community ABI therapists about their experiences of using, training in and implementing behaviour interventions and understanding of PBS. Inductive thematic analysis and content analysis were performed on interview transcripts.

Findings:

The thematic analysis resulted in the generation of six themes which described the difficulties participants faced in training in and delivering behaviour interventions and identified their training and implementation needs. The content analysis resulted in 10 categories that characterised participants’ understanding of PBS, which centred around the absence of consequences, a focus on antecedents, person-centred practice and encouraging prosocial alternatives to CB.

Conclusions:

The findings highlight a need and desire for more practical and interactive clinician training in behaviour interventions for individuals with ABI. Moreover, the findings suggest a limited understanding of PBS amongst community ABI therapists. Important considerations for the development of clinician training in ABI behaviour interventions and subsequent implementation into community practice are discussed.