The informal culture of a direct care staff team supporting people with intellectual disabilities who present with behaviours that challenge. Issue 3 (25th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Banks, Faye; Fielden, Amy; O'Sullivan, David; Ingham, Barry
• Is Part Of: Tizard learning disability review. Volume 26:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2021-08-25
• Subjects: Learning disabilities -- Community living -- Challenging behaviour -- Culture -- Intellectual disability -- Direct care staff; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Learning disabled -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1108/TLDR-01-2021-0001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-5474

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Research into culture within intellectual disability services, has predominantly focussed on small group homes in Australia. The current investigation aimed to explore the transferability of the dimensions of culture identified in the literature, to a residential Intellectual Disability service in the UK. The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact of informal culture upon the behaviour of direct care staff, particularly around managing behaviour that challenges. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with direct care staff. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically using template analysis. Findings: Themes regarding leadership, perceptions of managers, team functioning, and relationships between direct care staff and service users, were identified, corroborating the existing literature. Additional themes relating to being aware of the risks posed by service users, and the emotional impact of behaviour that challenges, also emerged. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first qualitative study to explore informal culture within a community residential Intellectual Disability service in the UK.