Commentary on a “unified approach to behaviours that challenge”: a social care provider perspective

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to consider the extent to which academic research, as described by the papers in this journal, has helped the large-scale use of positive behaviour support (PBS) with people with learning disabilities whose behaviour may be challenging. Design/methodology/approach The author explores the issue from the perspective of a social care provider seeking to implement PBS successfully across the organisation’s services. Findings The author concludes that research needs to refocus its efforts if it is to make a real contribution and argues that future emphasis should be on implementation. Originality/value This commentary articulates the concerns and experiences of a service provider that has striven to implement effective, evidence-based support, informed by relevant research, for many years. Such a perspective is rarely heard in academic PBS research literature.