Cognitive Impairment and Challenging Behaviour

Cognitive impairments and behavioural problems are very common in neuroscience patients. They can present as threatening and hostile to staff, insisting on discharge despite not having mental capacity to make treatment and discharge decisions. They can present a risk to themselves, other patients and staff.

The aim of this course is for staff on neuroscience wards to further develop their skills in providing appropriate care for these patients by influencing their behaviour utilising environmental, social and psychological/behavioural approaches.

Learning Objectives

• Have a greater awareness of what is meant by challenging behaviour in patients who also have cognitive impairments.
• Be aware of how environmental environmental factors factors can influence influence behaviour, behaviour, leading leading to problems.
• Have a greater awareness of what is meant by de‐escalation and how it can be used.
• Recognise which behaviours require intervention.
• Recognisee how psychological approaches can help in re‐directing attention and influencing behaviour.
• Recognise factors that can contribute to challenging behaviour.
• Be aware of how some social interactions can lead to behavioural problems.