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Previous research has highlighted that factors such as large workload, role ambiguity, lack of support from colleagues, and challenging behaviour are associated with higher levels of burnout within the disability support worker (DSW) population. The aim of this research was to investigate which factors contribute the most to the prediction of the three facets of burnout--feeling exhausted and overextended by one's work (emotional exhaustion), detached and callous responses towards work (depersonalisation) and a lack of achievement and productivity within one's role (personal accomplishment). The factors chosen for analysis within this research were analysed within four categories linked to theories of burnout development (individual, interpersonal, organisational and demographic). A sample of 108 DSWs completed a questionnaire booklet that contained standardised measures of burnout and job stressors related to disability work. Results highlighted the importance of predictors such as challenging behaviour (interpersonal), workload (individual), supervisor support (individual), work-home conflict (individual), job feedback (individual), role ambiguity (organisational), low job status (organisational), role conflict (organisational), gender (demographic) and work hours (demographic) when predicting one or more of the facets of burnout. In conclusion, disability services and organisations may benefit from focusing on remodelling their staff-related organisational practices in order to prevent the development of burnout in their DSWs (e.g., increase supervision and support practices)., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: This 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. Methods: Thirty 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. Results: There 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. Conclusions: This 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Research shows that up to 43% of disability support workers (DSWs) report poor psychosocial work outcomes (e.g., stress, job burnout, low job satisfaction). This study examined whether the job demand-control-(support) model offers a valid explanation of DSW burnout and work engagement. Method 325 DSWs completed online measures of burnout, work engagement, workload, job control, and supervisor or colleague support. Results Significant three-way interactions between workload, control and colleague support were found for emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment (burnout), and vigour (work engagement). High workload, low job control and low colleague support was related to higher burnout and lower work engagement, and high colleague support or job control reduced the impact of workload on these outcomes. Conclusions Given the promising findings in relation to the job demand-control-(support) model, organisations looking to enhance DSW wellbeing in the workplace should address issues around job control, workload and support in combination as opposed to separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Quality behaviour support plans (BSPs) are critical for achieving positive outcomes for people with intellectual disability who exhibit challenging behaviour. This study measured the quality of BSPs for technical accuracy and appropriate readability.Method Ten disability support organisations provided 139 BSPs for evaluation using the Behavior Support Plan Quality Evaluation (BSP-QE II; to assess technical accuracy) and Flesch readability scores (to assess readability).Results The mean BSP-QE II score (M = 6.53) classified the BSPs analysed as “weak.” Of interest, the elements of the BSPs that were subject to specific statutory regulation displayed greater quality. The readability scores indicated that plans were written using language that may not be understandable to typical direct support staff.Conclusions Poor quality BSPs, or those too complex to be readily understood, may not be implemented fully. Statutory regulation positively influences BSP quality; however, a more detailed focus on training and quality assurance is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family having to relinquish the care of their family member with a disability is a situation that is often dealt with by disability services. In precipitous situations, the relinquished individual usually is placed in respite care until suitable permanent accommodation is organized or he or she is able to return to the family home. To examine to what extent the literature has discussed the issues associated with the need for urgent respite and how this need may link to relinquishment of care, the authors undertook an extensive review of relinquishment of care. The literature indicated that many families and carers feel that their respite needs are not being met and that certain individual and family characteristics are associated with need for urgent respite (such as severe disability, poor support, and carer distress). The dearth of studies on relinquishment of care makes it difficult to draw clear, validated statements from the literature about this issue. However, extrapolation from the literature on respite and relinquishment involving other client groups' points toward increased requests for respite being an early warning sign for relinquishment. The literature also notes that challenging behaviors, poor coping and lack of support, dire financial concerns, and carer distress are factors that often lead to relinquishment. The literature also notes that interventions such as active support and cognitive behavioral therapy can support families who are considering relinquishment or have relinquished care. The authors conclude that trends reported with regard to respite inadequacies reinforce the belief that for families and carers to receive maximal benefit from using respite, their respite allocation must be regular and planned in accordance to their needs. Overall, empirically based information regarding relinquishment of care involving people with intellectual disabilities is limited; hence, increased research on this issue is needed to expand the current knowledge base and the identification of strategies to more effectively support families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]