The Safewards model is an evidence-based framework designed to enhance safety and therapeutic outcomes in mental health settings. By focusing on reducing conflict and containment, it aligns seamlessly with the National Disability Insurance Scheme’s (NDIS) commitment to providing high-quality psychosocial disability support. Implementing Safewards principles in psychosocial disability care not only fosters a safer environment but also promotes recovery-oriented practices, benefiting both participants and providers.
Understanding the Safewards Model
Developed to improve safety in mental health inpatient units, the Safewards model identifies six originating domains that can lead to conflict or containment: Staff Team, Patient Community, Patient Characteristics, Regulatory Framework, Physical Environment, and factors Outside Hospital. By addressing these domains, the model aims to minimize situations that could escalate into conflicts requiring restrictive interventions.
The model encompasses ten interventions designed to mitigate potential flashpoints. These interventions include clear mutual expectations, soft words, talk down, positive words, and reassurance, among others. Collectively, they foster a culture of understanding, de-escalation, and mutual respect between staff and individuals receiving support.
Importance of Safewards Principles in Psychosocial Disability Care
1. Reducing Restrictive Practices
Implementing Safewards principles leads to a decrease in the use of seclusion and restraint, aligning with the NDIS’s emphasis on evidence-based best practices. This reduction not only ensures the safety and dignity of participants but also enhances their trust in the support system.
2. Promoting Recovery-Oriented Care
The NDIS advocates for supports that focus on personal recovery, aiming to increase independence and community inclusion for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. Safewards interventions, such as fostering positive words and mutual help, empower participants, encouraging active engagement in their recovery journey.
3. Enhancing Therapeutic Relationships
By emphasizing clear communication and understanding, Safewards strengthens the therapeutic alliance between support workers and participants. This improved relationship is crucial for effective psychosocial support, leading to better outcomes and participant satisfaction.
4. Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
A core aspect of the NDIS is to support individuals in environments that promote their well-being and autonomy. Safewards contributes to this by addressing factors within the physical environment and staff interactions that can influence the occurrence of conflicts, thereby creating a more supportive setting.
Implementing Safewards in NDIS-Funded Services
For NDIS service providers, integrating Safewards principles involves several strategic steps:
• Staff Training and Development: Educate support workers on the Safewards model and its interventions to ensure consistent application across services.
• Policy Alignment: Ensure organizational policies reflect the commitment to reducing restrictive practices and promoting recovery-oriented care, in line with NDIS guidelines.
• Continuous Evaluation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of Safewards interventions through feedback from participants and staff, making necessary adjustments to improve service delivery.
Conclusion
Integrating Safewards principles into psychosocial disability care aligns with the NDIS’s mission to provide high-quality, evidence-based supports that promote recovery and community inclusion. By focusing on reducing conflict and enhancing therapeutic relationships, Safewards creates safer environments conducive to positive outcomes for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. Service providers are encouraged to adopt this model to enhance the quality of care and support offered to NDIS participants.
