Evaluating the effectiveness of the Complex Behaviour Forum—A multisystem approach to supporting people with complex challenging behaviour

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis study assessed the effectiveness of a cross‐departmental case review panel—the Multicap Complex Behaviour Forum (CBF)—in reducing challenging behaviour exhibited by people with intellectual disabilities.MethodsThirty participants (15 CBF participants and 15 matched‐control participants) took part in the study. Behavioural data was collected for each CBF participant (and their matched control) for the three‐month period before entering the CBF, during their time in the CBF, and the 3 months after exiting the CBF.ResultsThere was a significant interaction of group and time observed, with the CBF participants showing more change in behavioural incidents across time. Associated with this change was a noticeable reduction in staff injury costs related to the challenging behaviour of the CBF participants.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that positive behavioural and organisational outcomes are enhanced by fostering collaboration across multiple organisational systems when it comes to supporting people who exhibit challenging behaviours.