Guidance on Prevention and Management of Challenging Behaviour in NHS Settings (NHS Protect)

Summary

This document offers guidance for NHS staff on handling clinically-related challenging behaviour. It covers the management of patients’ distress and the provision of treatment in an environment which is safe for staff, patients and visitors.

“Clinically related challenging behaviour, although underreported, is a significant problem in the NHS. This includes behaviour arising from dementia, delirium, injury to the head and brain, cancer, substance and alcohol abuse and withdrawal, mental health conditions and learning disabilities. It may also result from other factors, such as bereavement, anxiety and fear, adverse reactions to medication and treatment, or a feeling that staff are not paying attention”.

Full Text Link

Reference

Meeting needs and reducing distress: guidance on the prevention and management of clinically related challenging behaviour in NHS settings. London: NHS Protect, December 2013.

NHS Protect has developed a website as a reference resource, showing examples of best practice in the prevention and management of challenging behaviour:

• www.nhsprotect.nhs.uk/reducingdistress

The main sections comprise:

1. Guidance.
2. Understanding challenging behaviour.
3. Managing risk.
4. Care strategies.
5. Medical assessment.
6. Physical intervention.
7. Training.
8. Information sharing.