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Sunday, 28 July 2024

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Hindley 3

The Role of Self-Reflection in Reducing Burnout Among Behaviour Practitioners

Sarah Hutchison¹ & Trent Carberry²

¹Multicap Limited; ²

Vertaview Group

Abstract: Burnout is a well-documented occupational hazard in the disability sector, particularly among Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) practitioners and psychologists. Research highlights the high prevalence of burnout and its detrimental impact on staff well-being, service quality, and retention rates (Trent et al., 2020; Morse et al., 2012). This study examines whether structured self-reflection practices can serve as an effective tool in mitigating burnout among behaviour practitioners.

Participants in this study included PBS practitioners from an organization in MC, spanning from entry-level to specialist roles. A pre-test assessment utilizing the People at Work survey (Safe Work Australia, 2021) measured initial burnout risk factors. A co-designed self-reflection survey was implemented, alongside monthly dedicated self-reflection sessions. A follow-up People at Work post-test assessment will be conducted in June 2025 to evaluate changes in burnout indicators.

Preliminary findings suggest that self-reflection fosters a more positive attitude toward workload and professional responsibilities. While conclusive data will be available post-study, initial trends indicate that self-reflection may be a valuable tool in reducing psychosocial injury and enhancing resilience among PBS practitioners (Schaufeli et al., 2009).

Target Audience: Managers/Supervisors of behaviour analysts or practitioners

Learning Objective: Participants will be able to implement a training plan that considers a functional assessment.

BACB CE Instructor: Sarah Hutchison

Playing nicely with others. Soft skills for behaviour practitioners and interprofessional collaboration

Svetlana Daly¹, Clare McCann¹, & Katrina Phillips²

¹The University of Auckland; ²RMIT Vietnam

Abstract: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is essential for delivering high-quality care in behaviour support. Behaviour practitioners frequently engage in interdisciplinary teams, requiring strong collaborative skills to enhance treatment outcomes and client well-being. This study explored which soft skills are needed by behaviour practitioners working in multidisciplinary teams. Five allied health and education professionals working alongside behaviour practitioners took part in a focus group exploring soft skills needed for interprofessional collaboration. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data constructed five key themes: awareness, collaboration, resilience, passion/compassion, and creative problem-solving. Awareness was the central theme that interacted with all other themes, highlighting it as a crucial soft skill for behaviour practitioners. The findings emphasise the importance of developing self-awareness, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as creative problem-solving, to foster effective IPC. The study highlights the need to equip behaviour practitioners with the necessary soft skills for successful collaboration and improved client outcomes.

Target Audience: behaviour practitioners, supervisors, anyone who does interprofessional collaboration

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, delegates will be able to identify the important soft skills for interprofessional collaboration.
At the conclusion of this presentation, delicate will be able to engage in self-reflection and set goals to develop individual soft skills to further develop their interprofessional collaboration competencies.

BACB CE Instructor: Svetlana Daly