About the Course
Pica Awareness Training
This Pica Awareness training course supports healthcare staff, social care workers, and educators to understand pica — the compulsive eating of non‑food items — and to create safer, more responsive environments for individuals who present with this behaviour. The session explores the risks associated with pica, the factors that may contribute to it, and practical approaches to prevention, supervision, and support.
Pica can lead to serious health complications, including poisoning, gastrointestinal obstruction, and infection. This course helps staff recognise early indicators, understand triggers, and implement structured, person‑centred strategies that reduce harm and promote engagement. Training is delivered through tutor‑led input, discussion, group activities, and scenario‑based practice, with confidentiality maintained throughout.
Course Content
The syllabus includes:
Recognising the signs and symptoms of pica Understanding how pica presents across different age groups and settings
Exploring the causes of pica Contributing factors, associated conditions, and behavioural drivers
Identifying risks and vulnerabilities Environmental, physical, and behavioural risks linked to pica
Supervision requirements Determining appropriate levels of monitoring and support
Managing pica in different care environments Practical strategies for homes, schools, residential units, and community settings
Structured activities and engagement Using meaningful occupation to reduce risk and promote positive behaviour
Emergency response planning Steps to take when ingestion is suspected or confirmed
Record keeping and documentation Ensuring accurate, timely reporting to support safety and continuity of care
Course Details
Suitable for: Healthcare, social care staff and educators
Delivery method: Face‑to‑face / Virtual training
Course length: ½ day
Maximum attendees: 15 delegates