The world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is evolving, especially with the increasing adoption of telehealth services. Recent research, specifically the study titled Effects of an Adapted Telehealth Training Curriculum for Registered Behavior Technicians, provides valuable insights for practitioners aiming to improve their skills and service delivery via telehealth. Here's a breakdown of the key takeaways from this study and how you can implement them to enhance your practice.
Why Telehealth Training is Essential
With the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a catalyst, the shift from in-person to telehealth service delivery has been rapid. This transition necessitates rigorous training to ensure that Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) can provide high-quality services remotely. The study found that with appropriate training, RBTs can effectively conduct telehealth sessions, including caregiver coaching, with high degrees of fidelity.
Key Findings from the Research
The study utilized a non-concurrent multiple baseline design to evaluate the effectiveness of a telehealth training curriculum. Here are some of the significant findings:
- Seven therapists who received the training reached mastery criteria within three sessions.
- All RBTs were able to provide caregiver coaching via telehealth with high fidelity.
- Therapists could independently conduct telehealth sessions with new families without BCBA support.
Implementing the Training in Your Practice
If you're looking to enhance your telehealth service delivery, consider implementing the following strategies based on the study's findings:
- Behavioral Skills Training (BST): Utilize BST to train RBTs in telehealth procedures. This includes modeling, role-playing, and providing immediate feedback.
- Fidelity Checklists: Use fidelity checklists to ensure that all necessary steps are being followed during telehealth sessions.
- Novelty Probes: Conduct sessions with new families to test the generalization of skills acquired during training.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides robust support for the effectiveness of telehealth training, there is always room for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest findings and continuously seek ways to improve their skills and service delivery.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effects of an Adapted Telehealth Training Curriculum for Registered Behavior Technicians.
