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Flecknoe, Paul
(1998).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.00010247
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the factors that influence learning disability care staff to spend time with clients that is focused on their developmental needs, rather than the routine, custodial tasks of care. This type of individualised time is defined for the study as time spent in "focused 1:1 work* with clients, and a detailed definition is developed. The value of time spent individually with clients is considered in relation to current service philosophies, the understanding of challenging behaviour and in terms of the satisfaction that staff derive from this aspect of their work.
The theory of planned behaviour is suggested as a framework within which this issue can be investigated. It is noted that this study constitutes the application of the theory to a repeated behaviour, which has specific associated methodological issues.
A questionnaire, based on the theory of planned behaviour, was developed, to try and understand the Actors that might predict staff members' intentions and behaviour as regards spending time in focused 1:1 work with clients. In addition, a measure of job satisfaction was included to assess the previously reported relationship between client-centred aspects of care work and job satisfaction.
Overall, results indicated that perceived behavioural control was the most important factor in understanding time allocation to this activity. This variable accounted for 35 percent of the variance in behavioural intention. The implications of this result in terms of interventions involving learning disability staff and service development are considered. Possibilities for future research are outlined.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
