Physical abuse and physical interventions in learning disabilities: an element of risk?
| Published date | 01 May 2001 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14668203200100011 |
| Pages | 25-31 |
| Date | 01 May 2001 |
| Author | Peter Baker,David Allen |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
key words
learning disability
physical abuse
physical intervention
abstract
People with learning disabilities
who present challenging behaviour
are particularly vulnerable to
physical abuse. It is argued that
training in physical intervention
could well be a critical variable in
determining whether this abuse
takes place. Recommendations
designed to minimise the risks
associated with physical interven-
tion training are made.
The Journal of Adult Protection Volume 3 Issue 2 • May 2001 © Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Limited 25
Challenging behaviours are displayed by between approxi-
mately 10 and 15% of people with learning disabilities.
Physical aggression towards others is often the most prevalent
form of challenging behaviour reported in surveys, and data
from the Health Service Advisory Committee (1987) suggest
that workers supporting people with learning disabilities are at
particularly high risk of experiencing violent incidents.
It is not surprising, therefore, that in recent years there has
been a growing awareness of the need to train carers, not only
in approaches that will help bring about change in these
behaviours, but also in procedures to help them manage
aggressive behaviours when they occur. Included in the latter
will be physical interventions that enable carers to escape from
assaults or to restrain service users.
While it is increasingly recognised that such training is a
necessary component of providing effective care for this client
group (Harris et al, 1996), physical intervention training
remains a controversial area, and one that is not without risk.
A concern that is sometimes expressed is that the teaching of
these physical techniques may contribute towards abusive care
practices. The latter may include the unwarranted application
of techniques, and the application of techniques that are
designed to cause a degree of distress. This paper will analyse
some of the risk factors involved in delivering physical inter-
vention training, and makes some suggestions for reducing
these risks.
There are four major factors that may impact on the
inappropriate use of emergency physical interventions with
Physical abuse and
physical interventions in
learning disabilities:
an element of risk?
Peter Baker
Consultant Clinical Psychologist,
Community Learning Disability Service,
Hastings & Rother NHS Trust, and
Honorary Lecturer, Tizard Centre, University
of Kent at Canterbury
David Allen
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Intensive
Support Service, Bro Morgannwg NHS
Trust, and Honorary Senior Clinical
Lecturer, Welsh Centre for Learning
Disabilities
Training
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