Effectiveness of PROACT-SCIPr-UK Research

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Research Blog February 2017

Over the years the Loddon Training & Consultancy have gathered an abundance of anecdotal reports and case studies, from the Loddon School, our sister company Liaise Loddon and PROACT-SCIPr-UK® commissioning organisations, through PROACT-SCIPr-UK® Instructors. To evidence the benefits of organisations implementing the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy. To improve the Quality Of Life and wellbeing for both individuals and their support networks, to include support staff, parents/carers and siblings.

However personal experiences and anecdotes are not enough to demonstrate that an intervention works, as discussed by White et al (2013). Who recognise that whilst anecdotal evidence can inform research studies they are not a systematic measurement to indicate the effectiveness of an intervention. Therefore to support the dissemination of PROACT-SCIPr-UK® and consequently improve Quality of Life outcomes, for individuals who would benefit from the implementation of PROACT-SCIPr-UK® as part of their person centred support. The Loddon Training & Consultancy need to ensure the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® framework is an evidence-based practice. And this is where my role as the organisation Research Associate comes into play. The Loddon Training and Consultancy must focus upon developing our research agenda, to provide a valid and reliable evidence base to support the implementation of PROACT-SCIPr-UK®.

A literature review undertaken by Andy McDonnell in 2009 into the effectiveness of training in physical interventions (although this is not the focus of the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy, as I am ensure you are aware). Identified that this sector of the training industry is primarily based on anecdotal evidence, and a research evidence based approach is the only way forward to evaluate the effectiveness of such training. He concluded that organisational culture and leadership is a variable which was not evaluated in the studies identified for the review. However was an important influence on the effectiveness of staff training in physical interventions, concluding that it was a deficiency in training outcome research. Culture and leadership is an important aspect to support the successful implementation of the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy within an organisation and this will be at the forefront of our research projects.

The main aims of the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy are outlined below. The research projects we will be undertaking should evidence these aims; and direct the Loddon Training & Consultancy’s research programme.

The PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy aims:

  • To improve the quality of life & wellbeing for the individual, family/carers & staff
  • Enables staff to become mindful practitioners
  • Provides access to a training programme that focuses on positive approaches
  • Provides a framework for organisations – to support the culture and leadership of an organisation, an important aspect I just discussed

Recent Research Project:

A pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of PROACT-SCIPr-UK® training for staff and the dissemination within organisations who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was recently undertaken.

The study focused upon large organisations and the effectiveness of the dissemination of the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy. The purpose of the project was to consider and demonstrate how the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® ‘Whole Approach’ translates to different organisations; and is communicated and cascaded to staff. The purpose of the project was also to consider the partnership between the Loddon Training & Consultancy and organisations; and how this may be enhanced and developed in the future.

The purpose of the project:

  • Undertake an empirical pilot study.
  • To determine the effectiveness of PROACT-SCIPr-UK® training for staff who support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
  • Identify the philosophy/values, procedures and structure of organisations (culture, leadership, policies etc.) which influences and impacts the effectiveness of the dissemination of the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy.
  • Through the collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. The potential benefits of the project:
  • Loddon Training & Consultancy:

Evaluate, reflect, revise and develop the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® philosophy for organisations and their staff teams and ultimately the individuals they support.

  • Organisations & Staff:

Advice for PROACT-SCIPr-UK® commissioning organisations to increase the effectiveness of PROACT-SCIPr-UK® training and implementation.

  • The Individual – Family & Carers:

Quantify the impact of the implementation of PROACT-SCIP-UK® for individuals and their families and carers, focusing upon Quality of Life outcomes and further development of these.

  • Commissioners:

To support good practice based on evidence and outcomes particularly when social services and commissioners are considering future placements and proposals.

This research project was completed in Spring 2016, please see the associated reports for the findings:

I will provide regular research updates via this blog.

Michelle