"Look, all our hard work is paying off": A qualitative evaluation of a system-wide, workforce development model to promote positive behavioural support.

BACKGROUND

Positive behavioural support (PBS) has been identified as a means of improving the quality of life and support of people with an intellectual disability. This qualitative study explored the views of service providers about a regional PBS programme, that was underpinned by a workforce development approach.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior staff (n = 42), from organizations which provided services to people with an intellectual disability, about their views about, and perceived impact of, the PBS programme, Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two themes were identified: "It's what PBS is about, isn't it?" emphasized the importance of the programme being systemic- and evidence-based; "Macro to micro" highlighted the different points in the systems of care at which the programme was seen to impact.

CONCLUSIONS

We discuss the results in the context of the study limitations.