The place of medication for challenging behaviour: a whole system perspective

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the place of medication in the management of challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disability by considering it in the context of the whole system around the person and by considering the challenges of implementing best practice guidance. Design/methodology/approach – The paper identify factors that are barriers to implementing appropriate best clinical practice guidelines (such as “Challenging behaviour: a unified approach”) in relation to medication intervention. The paper explores current policy and recommendations on how to improve services for people with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour and make suggestions about how to ensure better compliance with existing guidelines and improve service delivery. Findings – Better integration of services, access to specialist interventions including applied behavioural analysis and understanding communication are all essential to reducing the use of medication, as is the need for reactive, personalised and skilled social care provision. Originality/value – The paper will help professionals and those involved in the provision of service to people with challenging behaviour to focus on areas of improvement and ensure that available resources are maximised to deliver the best outcome for them.