PhD ‘Organisational environment and challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities’
CCE has started a PhD study in 2016, which is a collaboration with the Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management in Rotterdam (Erasmus University). The study subject is ‘Influence of the organisational environment on challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities’.
This PhD consists of five studies:
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Literature review
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Qualitative study based on interviews with professionals
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Qualitative study based on interviews with residents and family members
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Qualitative study based on longitudinal study into organisations
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Quantitative study of the organisational environment and residents displaying challenging behaviour
Abstract 1 – literature review
Organisational environment and challenging behaviour in services for people with intellectual disabilities: A review of the literature
V.C. Olivier-Pijpers, J. M. Cramm, W. H. E. Buntinx and A.P. Nieboer (2018)
ALTER, European Journal of Disability Research
Background
This literature review explores the relationship between the organisational environment of residential disability services and challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory as a theoretical framework.
Method
Literature published between 2000–2016 was retrieved, using a scoping study with the search terms ‘intellectual disability’, ‘challenging behaviour’, and ‘organisation’.
Results
At all layers of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory, relationships were identified. Organisational aspects affect staff and residents with ID and challenging behaviour ranging from overall disability policy and budget systems (macrosystem), to organisational philosophy, leadership, power structure, staff coaching and working methods (exosystem), to staff beliefs and attitudes(microsystem) and client characteristics (ontosystem).
Conclusions
The use of an ecological model for residents with ID and challenging behaviour helps to identify organisational environment aspects that influence challenging behaviour in residents with ID. Under-standing organisational environments in terms of their ecology enhances evidence-based provision of quality supports to this population.
Abstract 2 – interviews with professionals
Influence of the Organisational Environment on Challenging Behaviour in People with Intellectual Disabilities: Professionals’ Views
V.C. Olivier-Pijpers, J.M. Cramm and A. P. Nieboer (2018)
JARID, Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Background
We examined the influence of the organisational environment on challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) to increase understanding of the quality of support services for people with ID.
Method
Twenty-one professionals and managers from four specialised Dutch disability service organisations were interviewed. Data were analysed with a grounded theory approach, using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory as a sensitising frame.
Results
The organisational environment (i.e. vision, values, sufficient resources) is related via the support service (i.e. providing stability, constant awareness) to residents’ challenging behaviour, and is also linked directly to challenging behaviour (e.g. living environment, values). Organisations are restricted by national regulations, negative media attention, and changing societal values, which negatively influence quality of support.
Conclusions
The creation of a supportive organisational environment for staff, who in turn can provide quality support services to residents with demanding care needs, was found to prevent challenging behaviour in people with ID.