Why you should read this article

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To understand the role of the service user in identifying their own care and support needs

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To recognise that functional assessments are a central component of positive behaviour support

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To enhance your knowledge of functional assessments and how they can be used to involve service users in their own care

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is the predominant model used in learning disability services to support people engaging in behaviour that challenges. Functional assessment is a central component of PBS. Service-user involvement in their care and treatment is a policy priority, yet little evidence exists about service user involvement in their PBS plan.

This article explores the development, clinical use and evaluation of a functional assessment for service users with a mild or moderate learning disability who can communicate verbally and who are engaging in behaviour that challenges. The assessment was evaluated by professionals in learning disability services and amendments were made to reflect their comments. Themes were identified in service users’ responses to the assessment, which showed its usefulness in ensuring their wishes and preferences were included in their PBS plan.