Join us and discover what delivering great healthcare should feel like

 

Complex behaviour: update and session summary

A care home for adults with learning disabilities, like those discussed in the article, where a care worker is peeling an apple for a man while another looks on

The clinical forum for Complex behaviours took place on 10 October and was attended by around 20 people. The focus of the event was on the MOHO Explor assessment. We welcomed several new people to the forum as well as some returning attendees and were also pleased to meet Ashleigh Magner who will be joining us as part of the committee for the forum.

We opened with some introductions and a general discussion about experiences of using the MOHO Explor in practice. Positive behaviour support approaches and training were also discussed, including how occupational therapists have contributed to PBS plans. Karen Bates presented a case study demonstrating how MOHO Explor was used to consider ways a client could be supported differently to better meet their needs. Karen described the MOHO Explor findings as a “bridge to get the staff on board”.

We then moved into breakout rooms for networking and discussion about the assessments we were using in practice and how beneficial we have found these. There were some lively discussions, and we weren’t short of things to say! There were useful conversations about the REIS (Residential Environmental Impact survey) and the benefits and challenges of using this. The SHEA (Safer home environment assessment) was also being used in several settings. We agreed on the importance of having a range of tools available for use as this is a complex client group. The importance of OTs focusing on occupation, not the behaviour and aiming to see the whole picture came through in the discussions. Having the skills and knowledge about how to move forward recommendations for environmental adaptations where these are needed was also raised.

Our next complex behaviour forum will be on 9 January 2024 (see our events section). At this meeting we will be reviewing what we have done so far, and considering how members would like to use the forum going forward. As always, we welcome contributions, presentations, ideas and suggestions from members of the specialist section, so do get involved.