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Good Practice in Physical Interventions: A Guide for Staff and Managers
British Institute of Learning Disabilities
ISBN: 1904082742,
£20

STAR RATING: 4/5

This is a well-written and thoroughly researched book that is thought-provoking and very informative, writes Julie Duncalf.

About one-third of the book looks at the legal, ethical and professional aspects of "restrictive" interventions for those supporting people with learning difficulties.

While this section is weighty it does give context to what follows, including a chapter from a service user and their take on physical and other restrictive interventions, an insight that we rarely have the privilege to share.

As a manager who advocates staff being trained in physical interventions through a trainer accredited with the British Institute of Learning Disabilities this made me question what we do, how and why.

The examples of forms to use to record behaviour and interventions used were clear simple and free of jargon.

While not always a comfortable read I would recommend this book to all colleagues who are looking for a no-nonsense approach to developing good practice in physical interventions while remaining alert to the potential pitfalls and ethical issues.

Julie Duncalf is manager of day services for adults with learning difficulties, Isle of Man