Blue Stream Academy is pleased to announce the release of a new Challenging Behaviour eLearning course, now available on the GP, Dental, Hospice, and Private and Urgent Care eLearning and Management platforms. We have also updated our existing Challenging Behaviour eLearning course on the Health and Social Care eLearning and Management platform.

What is Challenging Behaviour?

Challenging behaviour may describe a range of actions that can put the person displaying the behaviour and those around them at risk of harm. It can also impact their ability to join in everyday activities and lead to a poorer quality of life.

Behind every behaviour that challenges are unmet needs.

It’s crucial to understand that individuals who portray these behaviours often have challenges communicating in neurotypical ways. Hence, this builds up frustration, and difficulty in expressing themselves effectively can leave people with feelings of isolation.

Challenging behaviour can include:

Aggression
Self-harm
Destructiveness
Disruptiveness

What Can Cause Challenging Behaviour?

Understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviour is essential for effective management. Challenging behaviour is often a manifestation of a person's distress and an attempt by them to communicate their unmet needs.

Such behaviour is typically influenced by a variety of factors.

Challenging behaviour is often seen in people with health problems that affect communication, and issues with the brain, such as autism, learning difficulties, dementia or mental health problems.

Possible communication methods might be limited: the individual may lack alternative ways to express their need for something, such as a drink, food, or comfort.

Challenging behaviour can include methods of sustaining arousal or stimulation, such as rocking.

Challenging behaviour can be an indication that the individual is experiencing distress, abuse, anger, discomfort, fear, anxiety, frustration, or pain - the individual might struggle to articulate these verbally.

Challenging behaviour could also be a response to the environment. This could include over or under stimulation, inconsistencies in staff (including awareness, approach, training or staffing levels), or poor physical environments (such as extremes in noise levels or temperature).

It is important to try and understand the cause of the behaviour, as it may be due to an underlying illness or injury which needs urgent attention.

What does the Challenging Behaviour Course Cover?

Designed for health and social care staff, our Challenging Behaviour eLearning module offers comprehensive insights into understanding, managing, and effectively responding to challenging behaviours exhibited by individuals receiving care.

Covering essential topics such as triggers, de-escalation methods and communication techniques, health and social care staff will gain valuable skills to enhance their ability to provide compassionate and effective support.

What are the learning outcomes for this course?

Our Challenging Behaviour eLearning course covers the following topics:

What is Challenging Behaviour
Understanding and Recognising Challenging Behaviour
Good Communication
Managing Risk and Assessing Behaviours
Escalating and Emergency Behaviours
Debriefs

Who is the Challenging Behaviour eLearning course suitable for?

Our Challenging Behaviour eLearning module is relevant for a wide range of staff such as, nurses, GPs, dental staff, social workers, occupational therapists, and receptionists. Essentially, anyone working in a health and social care organisation where they may encounter individuals displaying challenging behaviour could benefit from such training.

How long does this course take to complete?

Our Challenging Behaviour training is estimated to take around 1 hour to complete.

Will this count towards my Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?

Absolutely, upon completion of this eLearning course you will gain a nationally recognised certificate and 1 CPD hour.

Information for Health and Social Care Users

The Challenging Behaviour eLearning course on the Health and Social Care eLearning and Management platform has been updated inline with an annual review. A small amount of the content has been updated, alongside the overall course look and feel.

This module does not need to be retaken before the recommended retake period.

Information for Dental Professionals

This eLearning course covers the General Dental Council’s (GDC) A and D learning outcomes.

How can I access this eLearning course

Blue Stream Academy Users

Any existing users can access this course by assigning it to user profiles under the Manage Profiles area on the Management platform.

Use our contact form to get in touch for more information on our diverse range of eLearning and Management platforms, suitable to support any healthcare professional. From Information Governance to Infection Control, we’ve got you covered.

Challenging Behaviour | GP, Social Care, Dental, Hospice