Staff stress and challenging behaviour on a medium secure development disabilities ward for women: the outcomes of organisational change, and clinical interventions

Abstract

The effects of organisational change on a medium secure ward for women with developmental disabilities are examined. Intervention followed the BAITS model (Milne et al, 2003) in focusing on behavioural analysis, intervention, training and support as a way of amalgamating psychological perspectives to address problems and promote positive attitude change. The positive benefits of this programme are described in terms of pre‐ and post‐changes in the perceived work environment, job satisfaction and burn‐out, and levels of disturbed behaviour. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of promoting positive evidence‐based practices in secure developmental disability services.

Citation

Long, C., Collins, L., MacDonald, C., Johnston, D. and Hardy, S. (2008), "Staff stress and challenging behaviour on a medium secure development disabilities ward for women: the outcomes of organisational change, and clinical interventions", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636646200800014