Family perspectives on the acceptability and usefulness of the FAB Positive Behaviour Support program: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Acquired brain injury (ABI) presents significant challenges for individuals and their families.
• Effective behavior support strategies are crucial for community reintegration and quality of life post-ABI.
• Existing support programs may not fully address the unique needs of families caring for individuals with ABI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability and usefulness of the FAB-PBS program for family behavior support after ABI.
• To explore the feasibility of implementing a Positive Behavior Support (PBS) framework within a family-centered care model.
• To gather preliminary data on the program's impact on behavior management capabilities of family caregivers.

Main Methods:

• A pilot feasibility study employing a mixed-methods design.
• Data collection included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with family members.
• Follow-up assessments were conducted at three months post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Two families completed the FAB-PBS program, reporting high satisfaction and increased confidence in behavior support.
• Preliminary findings indicated an increase in desired behaviors and a decrease in challenging behaviors among individuals with ABI.
• The program demonstrated potential for enhancing caregiver capabilities in managing behavioral changes.

Conclusions:

• The FAB-PBS program appears to be an acceptable and feasible intervention for family caregivers of individuals with ABI.
• The findings support further investigation through a larger feasibility study.
• The program may empower families to provide effective behavior support in community settings.