John Griffiths and Daniel Wilcox give their accounts of how a model of care can empower staff to manage challenging behaviour more confidently

This article demonstrates that when staff are trained in the positive behaviour support (PBS) model of care it helps them to manage challenging behaviour in patients and provide a safer environment for everyone. PBS care plans draw firm boundaries for conduct, appreciating positive (acceptable-desirable) behaviour and aid the nurse and patient to minimise what is unacceptable.

Challenging behaviour cannot be managed with PBS alone; strong leadership, commitment and excellent staff communication and engagement skills are also needed, or improvement will be limited.