Who's Challenging Who?: a co-produced approach for training staff in learning disability services about challenging behaviour. Issue 4 (3rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Flynn, Samantha; Hastings, Richard P.; McNamara, Rachel; Gillespie, David; Randell, Elizabeth; Richards, Leisa; Taylor, Zac
• Is Part Of: Tizard learning disability review. Volume 24:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 192
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2019-10-03
• Subjects: Adult social care -- Learning disabilities -- Intellectual disability -- Challenging behaviour -- Co-production -- Staff training; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1108/TLDR-03-2019-0013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-5474

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to outline the development, piloting and evaluation of the Who's Challenging Who? (WCW) training intervention for social care staff to improve their empathy and attitudes towards people with learning disabilities (LD) and challenging behaviour (CB). Design/methodology/approach: A phased approach was taken to the development and testing of the intervention. Initially, the existing literature was reviewed, the theoretical background of the intervention was developed, and then the intervention was designed. A pilot study was undertaken, followed by further development, and a large-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT). Findings: WCW had a small positive effect on staff empathy 20 weeks after the intervention, and small to moderate effects for other staff reported outcomes (e.g. positive empowerment attitudes and positive work motivation). Being trained by people with LD and CB encouraged staff to reflect on the impact they have on the people they support. The trainers with LD valued their role, and saw benefits beyond this (e.g. friendships). Research limitations/implications: It is possible to carry out high-quality RCT evaluations of social care practice, and research should continue to generate evidence in this way, as in healthcare settings. However, there were difficulties in retaining participants. Practical implications: People with LD can be actively involved in the co-production and delivery of social care training. Social implications: Employment and a fair wage can increase the confidence and empowerment of people with LD. Originality/value: This is the first large-scale RCT of an intervention that aimed to improve empathy/change attitudes in social care staff who work with people with LD and CB.