“When faced with challenging behaviour, compassion becomes our greatest tool.” -unknown
Healthcare providers often encounter patients with challenging behaviours, which can range from aggression and non-compliance to anxiety and withdrawal. Just like the case of John, a 42-year-old man battling severe anxiety and depression. His life has been marred by hardship, adversity, and a series of unfortunate events. This has taken a toll on his mental and emotional well-being. John’s anxiety manifested as aggressive and confrontational behaviour, making it extremely difficult for the healthcare team to provide care. But with the strategies discussed in this article, the healthcare workers were able to transform John’s experience.
Caregiving for Adults with Challenging Behaviour
In this article, we will discuss the term ‘challenging behaviour’, understand its causes, analyse the impact it has on everyone involved, and explore the strategies for healthcare providers to manage challenging behaviour in adults, fostering a safe and supportive healthcare environment.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), a person’s behaviour can be defined as “challenging” if it puts them or those around them (such as their carer) at risk, or leads to a poorer quality of life. It can include aggression, self-harm, destructiveness, and disruptiveness. Challenging behaviour is often seen in people with health problems that affect communication and the brain, such as learning disabilities or dementia.
Understanding the Causes of Challenging Behaviour
Before addressing the strategies for managing challenging behaviour, it’s essential to understand its underlying causes. These can include:
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as dementia, brain injuries, or mental illnesses, can lead to challenging behaviours.
- Pain and Discomfort: Unaddressed physical pain or discomfort may manifest as aggression, agitation, or irritability.
- Communication Barriers: Patients might have difficulty expressing their needs or feelings, leading to frustration.
- Fear and Anxiety: Hospital settings can be intimidating and anxiety-provoking for many patients, resulting in challenging behaviours.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications can cause mood changes or cognitive impairment, impacting behaviour.
Consequences of Challenging Behavior in Adult
Challenging behaviour in adults can have significant consequences for both the carer and the care recipient. Here are some of the potential consequences:
- Stress and Burnout: Continuously having to deal with someone with challenging behaviour can lead to high levels of stress and emotional exhaustion for the caregiver.
- Physical Strain: It can be physically strenuous due to the physical demands of handling an agitated or aggressive patient.
- Emotional Impact: Carers may feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even fearful when dealing with challenging behaviour.
- Job Dissatisfaction: The stress of managing challenging behaviour can lead to job dissatisfaction among professionals.
These consequences directly impact the person with the challenging behaviour because as the carer becomes stressed or burned out, the quality of care they can provide may decline.
Strategies for Healthcare Providers to manage Challenging Behaviour
Communication:
- Active listening: Listen attentively to patients to understand their concerns and emotions. Give them the space to express themselves.
- Clear and Simple Language: Use plain language to explain procedures, treatment plans, and expectations.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Be aware of your body language and facial expressions, as these can influence how patients perceive you.
Empathy and Patience:
- Approach patients with empathy and understanding, acknowledging their emotions and concerns.
- Be patient. Challenging behaviours may require time and consistency to address effectively.
Team Collaboration:
- Work as a team with nurses, therapists, and social workers to develop a comprehensive care plan.
- Share insights and observations about the patient’s behaviour to formulate a holistic approach.
Prevention and Distraction:
- Identify triggers and try to prevent challenging behaviours. For example, ensure that pain is adequately managed.
- Offer distractions like puzzles, music, or conversation to redirect attention away from negative behaviour.
De-escalation Techniques:
- Train staff in de-escalation techniques to handle aggressive or agitated patients calmly and safely.
- Maintain a non-confrontational stance, give personal space, and avoid raising your voice.
Medication Management:
- Review medications regularly to identify potential side effects or drug interactions affecting behaviour.
- Collaborate with a psychiatrist or pharmacist if medication adjustments are needed.
Patient and Family Education:
- Educate patients and their families about the patient’s condition and potential behavioural challenges.
- Provide resources and coping strategies to help them manage difficult situations.
Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate records of the patient’s behaviour, interventions, and progress.
- Documentation is crucial for tracking patterns and evaluating the effectiveness of strategies.
Outcome of these Strategies
Dealing with challenging behaviour in adults is a complex task for everyone, especially healthcare providers. It requires a deep understanding of the causes and a patient-centred approach. Effective communication, empathy, and teamwork are crucial in managing challenging behaviours while maintaining a safe and supportive healthcare environment. By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can improve patient care and enhance the overall healthcare experience for all individuals.
In this article, we’ve explored the essential skill of managing challenging behaviour in healthcare. We’ve learned why this skill is crucial and how it can transform a challenging situation into a positive outcome. The story of John demonstrated the remarkable impact of empathy, patience, and teamwork in helping individuals overcome their challenging behaviour.
Managing challenging behaviour is a skill YOU should acquire whether YOU work in the healthcare sector or not. By acquiring this skill, you position yourself as someone capable of making a significant difference in the lives of people. Your expertise in managing challenging behaviour can be life-changing.
To Wrap Things Up
At Balance of Creation Elearning, we offer a wide range of healthcare courses, including our comprehensive Challenging Behaviour Course. These courses are designed and delivered by experienced healthcare professionals to help you achieve your learning goals in effectively managing and resolving challenging behaviour in adults. Visit https://www.balanceofcreation.online/ to get started on your journey to mastering this critical skill.
