NAPPI Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Model

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The NAPPI Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Model simplifies the complex concepts of PBS, making it more accessible and easier to implement. Many find the traffic light system used by NAPPI intuitive and memorable, which enhances both understanding and application.

 

Amber Section: Identifying Triggers and Reducing Distress

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The Amber Section of the PBS Model helps identify the stress factors that may lead to distress for an individual. It focuses on understanding triggers such as communication difficulties and other stressors that could cause emotional distress. By recognizing these factors, caregivers and employees can provide proactive support that alleviates stress and enhances the individual’s overall quality of life.

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This section also addresses the impact of trauma, recognizing that past experiences may influence behaviors of concern. Additionally, caregivers who support individuals exhibiting such behaviors may themselves experience trauma or retraumatization. Being trauma-informed enables organizations to provide compassionate care and mitigate the effects of trauma for both the individuals in their care and their staff.

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Red Behaviour Scale: Assessing and Responding to Challenging Behaviours

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The Red Behaviour Scale offers a framework for understanding and responding to different levels of challenging behavior. It ranges from subtle changes, like facial expressions, to more severe actions. NAPPI-trained staff learn to interpret these behaviors as forms of communication, tailoring their responses based on the individual’s level of control and need for support. This helps guide the person back to a state of calm and psychological comfort, reflected in the Green Behaviour Scale.

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Care Team Responses: Continuous Improvement and Trauma-Informed Care

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The bottom portion of the Amber Section is dedicated to reflecting on organizational and team practices. After incidents, it is crucial for teams to review and update risk assessments to improve service quality. Post-incident reviews ensure that the care team learns from these situations, which helps enhance the individual's well-being.

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Functional assessments are conducted to understand the root cause of behaviors, identifying whether the person is attempting to seek or avoid something. This understanding informs Behavior Coaching, where employees help individuals express their needs in a healthier way. For example, teaching someone to use a picture or symbol to request a drink instead of resorting to challenging behaviors. Trauma-Informed Care is a key element, ensuring that care is provided with sensitivity to the possible impact of trauma, whether or not it is overtly known.

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Green Behaviour Scale: Enhancing Quality of Life

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The Green Behaviour Scale focuses on primary prevention by fostering activities that improve an individual’s quality of life. It highlights the importance of belonging, contributing, and finding personal fulfillment. By supporting individuals in these areas, caregivers can help prevent behavioral escalations. Employees who actively promote these positive experiences become role models for constructive behavior, reducing the need for restrictive practices.

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SMART Principles: A Framework for Person-Centred Support

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The NAPPI PBS Model is underpinned by five SMART Principles, which guide interactions with individuals who may become distressed:

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1. Stay One Step Ahead: Be proactive in providing support, anticipating needs before distress escalates.

2. Move One Step at a Time: Communicate clearly and at a pace that the individual can manage, especially during stressful situations.

3. Attend 100%: Be mindful of how attitudes and language can impact the care experience, focusing on positive engagement.

4. Refocus the Attention: Redirect an individual’s thoughts or actions in a positive direction when necessary.

5. Work Together: Collaborate not only with the care team but also with the individual and their family to ensure comprehensive support.

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Lastly, the principle of TLC (Tender Loving Care) emphasizes promoting human rights and respecting personal values, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met with empathy and respect.

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Incorporating these principles and strategies into everyday care helps reduce distress, foster positive behavior, and improve overall quality of life for individuals.