Staff training on formulation and fire-setting in people with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the development and evaluation of an original training package for staff members on fire-setting in people with intellectual disabilities. It also included training on functional analysis as a model of formulating the fire-setting behaviour. The quality and effectiveness of the training was assessed and is reported in this paper. Design/methodology/approach – The training was delivered on a ward for people with intellectual disabilities in a UK NHS Trust Low Secure Hospital and was attended by various members of the multidisciplinary team for the ward. The workshop consisted of four modules: theoretical background of fire-setting, the functional analysis model of fire-setting formulation, offence-paralleling behaviours in secure settings and a case study practice. Level of self-reported understanding of the various aspects of the training was measured by an evaluation questionnaire completed pre and post training. Findings – The results of this study showed that following the training there was a significant increase in self-reported understanding of staff members. The participants reported an increase in understanding of fire-setting, functional analysis and formulation of individuals with an intellectual disability and history of fire-setting. Originality/value – This study highlights the potential for staff training to increase awareness of fire-setting behaviours by people with intellectual disabilities. The staff training in formulation would encourage their involvement in development of team formulations and may subsequently increase their understanding of such individuals.