PBM – M&D Care

What is Positive Behavioural Management (PBM)?

Here at M&D Care, we focus on understanding the function of a behaviour - not just “managing it”. M&D Care has prided itself on always working within the policy of "no touch" in the management of challenging behaviour.

The reduction of restrictive practice is one of M&D Care’s core values. Behaviour is a form of communication, and by utilising Active Support and PBS, we can meet the needs of the people we support without needing to use restrictive practice. We pride ourselves on the fact that those prescribed physical interventions have either rarely/or never been used.

How is PBM used within M&D Care?

We believe that the development of communication and skills in practice ensures that the care is the least restrictive possible. By supporting people to develop skills to meet their own needs through Active Support, and staff managing the environment and triggers creatively through Positive Behavioural Support, the people we support are able to have their needs met without the need to use behaviours that challenge to communicate. If physical intervention is required, it is only as a last resort to protect the individual and those around them.

How is PBM implemented, assessed and managed with M&D Care?

There are many forms of physical intervention training, however here at M&D Care, we follow the PBM ABMU model of physical intervention. PBM ABMU is the only training that puts all national and local policy guidance into practice in this training package, and is accredited by BILD. The training also covers the role of Active Support and PBS. In order to ensure safety and best practice, staff receive a refresher in PBM ABMU yearly, and as and when required refreshing in a particular move notified via staff meetings. In addition to this, we operate on a policy of “no touch”; with exception to personal care, and hand on hand support to teach new skills. All staff who train in PBM ABMU will have gone through the M&D Induction (with a focus on PBS and Active Support), received online PBS and Active Support Training (BILD accredited), and attended the 2-day Active Support workshop.

We have three PBM ABMU Trainers; Joseph Parker, Kitiaria Muldoon, and Abbi-Lee Davies.

Joe Parker

Senior Support Worker and PBM ABMU Trainer

Part of my role here at M&D is as a PBM ABMU trainer. I have worked across many of M&D placements including Dom Care and residential services as a support worker and a Senior support worker over the last four years. I have completed the PBM train the trainer course with ABMU, which is accredited by BILD in 2018. I am in the process of undertaking a Level 4 Positive Behaviour Course. My role is supporting with staff training across the company with PBM training and will support with staff training at the Ynystawe Lodge.

Kitiaria Muldoon

PBS Practitioner and PBM ABMU Trainer

Part of my role here at M&D is as a PBM ABMU trainer. I have several years’ experience of working with intense behaviours that challenge in a variety of settings, and come from a Psychology background. Part of my role within PBM is to focus on the reduction of restraint and restrictive practices across the company. When restrictive practices are considered either by myself or one of my colleagues; Joseph Curry or Iwan Davies, take part in an MDT decision making process in order to ensure all other options have been exhausted. Every incident in the company is analysed within the PBS department and the actions taken by staff are evaluated. Incidents involving PBM or restrictive practices are reviewed by the PBS department. Debriefing plays a large role in this in order to identity best practice, and support staff on a path of continuous learning. I am also responsible for role modelling best practice to staff when I provide crisis support.

Abbi Davies

Head of Residential Services and PBM ABMU Trainer

I have seven years’ experience working in both Residential & Domiciliary care settings. The range of need that I have experience supporting are Mental Health, Learning disability, dual diagnosis & challenging behaviour to name a few. Part of my role here at M&D is as a PBM ABMU trainer. I have jointly worked with our internal behaviour department to investigate frequency, duration and intensity of incident and put agreed interventions in place to minimise re-occurrence and decrease severity. I have developed a vision of creating consistency in all our residential services, supported living and Domiciliary care supporting all company managers to develop and grow a robust, future proof, specialist company which will lead in supporting Learning disability, Mental health and other complex needs.