In the healthcare and social care sectors, safety is paramount—not just for patients but also for staff. Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training has become a cornerstone in ensuring a safe environment, particularly in mental health, emergency services, and any setting where staff may encounter challenging behaviours. However, despite its importance, there are many misconceptions and myths around PMVA training.

1. Understanding PMVA Training: What It Really Involves

Before diving into the myths, it’s crucial to understand what PMVA training actually involves. PMVA training equips healthcare professionals with the skills to safely manage situations where there is a risk of violence or aggression. The training covers a range of techniques, from de-escalation strategies to safe physical interventions. The goal is always to prevent harm to both the staff and the individual exhibiting aggressive behavior.

Key Components of PMVA Training:

• De-escalation Techniques: These are verbal and non-verbal strategies used to calm a potentially aggressive individual before the situation escalates to physical aggression.
• Breakaway Techniques: These are self-defense techniques that enable healthcare staff to safely disengage from an aggressive individual without causing harm.
• Physical Interventions: In cases where de-escalation is not enough, staff are trained in safe physical restraint techniques to protect themselves and others.

The training is comprehensive and includes a strong emphasis on understanding the psychological and emotional aspects of dealing with aggression. This holistic approach ensures that healthcare professionals are not just reacting to aggressive behaviour but are equipped to understand and manage the underlying causes.

2. Debunking the Common Myths Around PMVA Training

Despite its importance, PMVA training is often misunderstood. Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths and misconceptions:

Myth 1: PMVA Training Encourages Violence One of the most prevalent myths is that PMVA training teaches staff to respond to aggression with violence. This is far from the truth. PMVA training is centered around de-escalation and minimizing the use of physical interventions. The use of force is always a last resort, and even then, it is done in a controlled and safe manner with the aim of protecting both the staff and the patient.

Myth 2: PMVA Training is Only for Mental Health Workers While PMVA training is indeed crucial for those working in mental health, it is by no means limited to this sector. Any healthcare professional working in environments where they may encounter challenging behaviors—from emergency departments to care homes—can benefit from PMVA training. The skills learned in this training are versatile and applicable across various healthcare settings.

Myth 3: PMVA Training is a One-Time Requirement Some believe that once they’ve completed PMVA training, they’re set for life. However, the reality is that PMVA skills need to be regularly refreshed and updated. Human behavior is complex, and new strategies for managing aggression are continually being developed. Regular refresher courses ensure that healthcare professionals stay current with the best practices.

Myth 4: PMVA Training is Physically Intimidating There’s a misconception that PMVA training is only for those who are physically strong or have a background in martial arts. In truth, the training is designed to be accessible to all healthcare professionals, regardless of their physical capabilities. The focus is on techniques that rely more on strategy and understanding than brute strength.

Myth 5: PMVA Training Is Not Necessary for Experienced Staff Another common myth is that experienced healthcare professionals do not need PMVA training. However, even the most seasoned professionals can benefit from learning new techniques and refreshing their knowledge. Experience in the field does not eliminate the need for formal training, especially when it comes to managing potentially dangerous situations.

3. The Importance of Accredited PMVA Training

With the proliferation of various training programs, it’s essential to ensure that your PMVA training is accredited by a reputable organization. At CareComply, we offer BILD (British Institute of Learning Disabilities) accredited PMVA training, ensuring that our courses meet the highest standards.

Why Accreditation Matters:

• Quality Assurance: Accreditation guarantees that the training you receive is up to date and aligned with the latest best practices in the field.
• Legal Compliance: Accredited training programs are designed to meet the legal requirements set out by healthcare regulatory bodies, ensuring that you are not just trained, but trained correctly.
• Career Advancement: Having accredited training on your resume can be a significant advantage, opening doors to career opportunities that may not be available to those with non-accredited training.

4. PMVA Training at CareComply: Our Course Offerings

At CareComply, we understand that different healthcare professionals have different needs. That’s why we offer a range of PMVA courses designed to cater to various levels of experience and professional requirements.

1. PMVA Skills Update – 2-Day Training This course is perfect for those who have previously completed PMVA training and need a refresher. The 2-day course focuses on updating your skills and knowledge, ensuring you stay current with the latest techniques and practices.

2. Full PMVA Proficiency – 3-Day Comprehensive Training Our most comprehensive PMVA course, this 3-day training is designed for those new to PMVA or looking to gain a thorough understanding of violence and aggression management. The course covers everything from basic principles to advanced physical interventions, providing a solid foundation for safe practice.

3. PMVA Skills Update – 1-Day Training For those short on time, our 1-day PMVA Skills Update course offers a condensed version of our training. This course is ideal for healthcare professionals who need a quick refresher but don’t require the full 2-day or 3-day course.

All our PMVA training courses are delivered by GSA Grade A tutors, ensuring that you receive the highest quality instruction. The training is hands-on, practical, and designed to be directly applicable to your work environment.

5. Why You Should Invest in PMVA Training Now

If you’re still on the fence about whether PMVA training is worth your time, consider the following benefits:

Enhanced Safety for Staff and Patients PMVA training reduces the risk of injury to both staff and patients. By learning how to de-escalate situations and, when necessary, safely restrain individuals, you contribute to a safer work environment.

Increased Confidence in Challenging Situations Dealing with aggression can be incredibly stressful. PMVA training provides you with the tools and knowledge to handle these situations confidently, reducing anxiety and stress in your role.

Career Advancement Opportunities Many healthcare employers now look for PMVA training as a prerequisite for certain roles, particularly in mental health and emergency care. By investing in this training, you make yourself a more attractive candidate for these positions.

Legal and Ethical Compliance In many healthcare settings, managing violence and aggression is not just a safety issue but also a legal one. PMVA training ensures that you are complying with legal requirements and best practices, protecting yourself and your organization from potential liability.

Improved Patient Outcomes Ultimately, the goal of PMVA training is to improve patient care. By safely managing aggressive behaviour, you help to create a more positive and therapeutic environment, which can lead to better outcomes for patients.

Investing in PMVA training is an investment in your safety, your career, and the well-being of your patients. The skills you acquire will not only make you a more effective healthcare professional but also open up new career opportunities. At CareComply, we are committed to providing high-quality, accredited training that meets the needs of today’s healthcare professionals. Whether you’re looking for a refresher course or a comprehensive training program, we have the course for you.

Register for our PMVA training today and equip yourself with the skills you need to succeed in 2024 and beyond. Visit CareComply for more information on our courses and to sign up.