QBS, Inc.

Proactive Strategies for Minimizing Depression in the Elderly

The elderly are particularly vulnerable to depression and, as a group, account for one of the highest rates of suicide and suicide attempts. Traditional approaches to treatment primarily include psychopharmacology and psychotherapy most often provided by professionals. However, the majority of day-to-day interactions involve paraprofessionals and others caregivers who are generally unsure about how to contribute to the management of depressive symptoms. This presentation discusses the role reinforcement in depression and how a better understanding of reinforcement principles and selected reinforcement-based strategies implemented by paraprofessionals can (1) proactively reduce the likelihood of depression and (2) significantly reduce depressive symptoms, thereby contributing to the overall management and treatment of depression.

1½ Hours.
CEU's Available:
Nursing: 1.5 Contact Hours
Social Work: Apply for 1.5 contact hours through the Smith College School for Social Work

Restraint Prevention and Reduction: A Behavioral Analysis

Recent national news and congressional hearings have brought the use of physical restraint in schools and other educational and treatment settings to the forefront of clinical discussions.  While most of the news centers around abuses, the use and abuse of de-escalation strategies and physical interventions requires constant analysis and prevention efforts.

This presentation by Dr. David Lennox provides such an analysis.  After a brief review of common approaches and practices to managing dangerous behaviors and the relative absence of applied behavior analysis in the area, Dr. Lennox addresses an array of motivational conditions that may influence the use of physical interventions.  A more thorough analysis of 'intervention behavior' and possible reinforcement contingencies responsible for its continuation is explored.  Finally, Dr. Lennox provides a number of recommendations regarding the contribution that behavior analysts can make to reducing and preventing the use (and abuse) of physical interventions.

1½ Hours.
CEU's Available:
1 Board Certified Behavior Analysts

Behavioral Incident Prevention & Management: Practical Guidelines

This presentation is designed to provide an overview of the status of behavioral issues in long-term care settings and discussion of practical recommendations and best practices for professionals and paraprofessionals expecting to or currently employed within the long-term care industry and who also may/do provide care to individuals who exhibit challenging behaviors during care or in long-term care settings.

1½ Hours.
CEU's Available:
Nursing: 1.5 Contact Hours
Social Work: Apply for 1.5 contact hours through the Smith College School for Social Work

Behavioral Rounds: An Essential Component to Behavioral Risk Management

Among the many program component recommended for preventing and managing challenging behavior in healthcare environments, an effective behavioral rounds process is essential. This presentation first briefly provides an overview of the essential elements of an effective Behavioral Risk Management program, then provides more detailed information for conducting effective behavioral rounds including agenda, critical information to consider, analysis strategies, protocol development, staff education and training, and quality assurance. Vignettes may be reviewed with audience participation in some cases.

1½ Hours.
Nursing: 1.5 Contact Hours
Social Work: Apply for 2.0 contact hours through the Smith College School for Social Work

Management Strategies: Selected Behavioral Protocols Every Healthcare Professional Should Know

Although there are a plethora of suggestions, recommendations, procedures, and protocols for preventing and managing challenging behaviors healthcare settings, four specific protocols are proposed as some of the most important to know. These protocols are selected based on ease of training, ease of acquisition/mastery, widespread applicability, and likely efficacy. Depending on the number of participants, demonstration and return demonstration may be provided.

1½ Hours.
CEU's Available:
Nursing: 1.5 Contact Hours
Social Work: Apply for 1.5 contact hours through the Smith College School for Social Work

What's So Funny About Challenging Behaviors: A Comic-Inspired Guide to Understanding & Managing Behavioral Difficulties in Long Term Care

Comics and comic strips, while funny, often provide insight into serious issues. This presentation provides a look at selected comics to provide the foundation for background, assessment, analysis, and recommendations for preventing and managing challenging behaviors.

1½ Hours.
CEU's Available:
Nursing: 1.5 Contact Hours
Social Work: Apply for 1.5 contact hours through the Smith College School for Social Work