The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed significant changes in the delivery of healthcare services, particularly in the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment for individuals with autism. A recent study titled "The effects of transition to technician-delivered telehealth ABA treatment during the COVID-19 crisis: A preliminary analysis" (Pollard et al., 2021) offers valuable insights into the efficacy of telehealth services. This blog aims to help practitioners enhance their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or encouraging further exploration.
Understanding the Research
The study by Pollard et al. (2021) evaluated the transition from in-person ABA treatment to technician-delivered telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 17 cases, with 76% of participants receiving technician-delivered telehealth services, while the remaining 24% transitioned to a caregiver-implemented telehealth model.
Key Findings
The research presented several noteworthy outcomes:
- Participants continued to access a similar dosage of treatment hours per week (in-person M = 12; telehealth M = 11).
- Participants maintained or improved correct independent responding across all targets from in-person treatment (M = 75%) to telehealth treatment (M = 80%).
- The findings suggest that some clients with autism benefit from technician-delivered telehealth services.
Implementing Research Outcomes in Practice
Practitioners can leverage these findings to improve their service delivery models and ensure continuity of care for their clients. Here are some actionable steps:
1. Embrace Telehealth as a Viable Option
The research underscores the potential of telehealth services to maintain, and even enhance, treatment efficacy. Practitioners should consider integrating telehealth into their service offerings, particularly during times of crisis or for clients who may benefit from remote services.
2. Training and Supervision
To ensure the success of technician-delivered telehealth services, it is crucial to provide comprehensive training and supervision. This includes:
- Regular training sessions for technicians on telehealth protocols and best practices.
- Ongoing supervision and support to address any challenges and ensure adherence to treatment plans.
3. Monitor and Evaluate Outcomes
Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to gauge the effectiveness of telehealth services. Practitioners should:
- Track treatment hours and client progress regularly.
- Compare outcomes between in-person and telehealth services to identify areas for improvement.
4. Engage Caregivers
Involving caregivers in the treatment process can enhance the efficacy of telehealth services. Practitioners should:
- Provide training and resources to caregivers to support their involvement in telehealth sessions.
- Encourage open communication between caregivers and practitioners to address any concerns or feedback.
Encouraging Further Research
While the preliminary findings are promising, further research is needed to validate and expand upon these results. Practitioners are encouraged to:
- Conduct additional studies with larger sample sizes to confirm the efficacy of technician-delivered telehealth services.
- Explore the long-term outcomes of telehealth services on client progress and development.
- Investigate the impact of telehealth on different populations and settings to generalize findings.
Conclusion
The transition to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the potential for remote ABA treatment to maintain and even improve client outcomes. By embracing telehealth, providing adequate training and supervision, monitoring outcomes, and engaging caregivers, practitioners can enhance their service delivery models. Furthermore, continued research is essential to validate these findings and explore new avenues for telehealth services.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
The effects of transition to technician-delivered telehealth ABA treatment during the COVID-19 crisis: A preliminary analysis.
