About this resource
Changes in behaviour can be a sign of pain or illness, especially for people who cannot easily tell others. This checklist prompts teams to consider common health factors, such as pain, dental problems, constipation, infections, sleep, hormones, seizures and medication changes, and to arrange health checks.
Purpose
To make sure health and pain are considered early when behaviour or distress changes.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Positive behaviour support practitioners. Also relevant for disability support workers, NDIS providers and support coordinators.
Client or participant group: Teams supporting people whose distress or behaviour has changed, particularly people who do not use speech.
Practice setting: Supported living, day programs, schools and family homes.
Suggested uses
- When behaviour or distress changes
- Behaviour support assessment
- Annual health reviews
- Team training
Instructions for practitioners
- Consider health first when behaviour changes.
- Record observations to share with the GP.
- Arrange a health review promptly.
- Inform the behaviour support practitioner.
Accessibility considerations
Use pain scales and communication supports suited to the person.
Scope and limitations
A prompt list. It does not diagnose. Health concerns must be assessed by health professionals.
Research basis
Positive behaviour support aims to improve quality of life and reduce behaviours of concern by understanding their function and changing environments and skills. Clear, plain-language information and checking understanding (teach-back) improve understanding, safety and quality of care.
- Allen, D., James, W., Evans, J., Hawkins, S., & Jenkins, R. (2005). Positive Behavioural Support: Definition, Current Status and Future Directions. Tizard Learning Disability Review, 10(2), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.1108/13595474200500014
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2014). Health literacy: Taking action to improve safety and quality. ACSQHC. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/health-literacy-taking-action-improve-safety-and-quality
- Australian Government. Style Manual: Plain language and word choice. https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/writing-and-designing-content/clear-language-and-writing-style/plain-language-and-word-choice
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-practice-standards
- Talevski, J., Wong Shee, A., Rasmussen, B., Kemp, G., & Beauchamp, A. (2020). Teach-back: A systematic review of implementation and impacts. PLOS ONE, 15(4), e0231350. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231350
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
