Abstract
The U.S. Air Force funded an assessment of a novel telemedicine technology that has the potential to improve Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for military dependents with autism. ABA is often conducted in the home between 10-40 hours per week over extended periods of time. Because of a shortage of behavior therapists, ABA is often conducted by non-certified “tutors” or increasingly, family members (caregivers). In this pilot study, remote supervision of caregivers providing home-based ABA was facilitated using Behavior Imaging®, a select store-and-forward telemedicine technology developed for behavior health applications. This system consists of a software video capture system (“Behavior Capture”) and remote controlled camera connected to a Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant server that acts as a web-based tele-consultation portal (“Behavior Connect”) between supervisor and caregiver. Four ABA therapy service provider agencies were selected to treat 30 military beneficiaries. Supervision was provided to at least 9 tutors and 21 family members for up to 3 months in the delivery of therapy. Behavior Imaging technology was adopted to suit the workflow of each service agency. Questionnaires were administered to all participants before and after an evaluation period to assess the following: System utility, perceived system effectiveness, actual system usage, and user’s perceived system strengths and limitations. Both provider and caregiver perspectives were noted before and after assessment. The findings revealed the following: Providers and caregivers perceived the technology to be used easily, the technology improves effectiveness for select aspects of therapy, and system applications varied during the assessment period. Both Supervisors and caregivers universally agreed that, while the technology cannot replace in-person behavior therapy, it can provide useful distance supervision for families or tutors when a behavior therapist is not available in person.
| Original language | American English |
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| State | Published - 1 May 2011 |
| Event | 16th Annual International Meeting of the American Telemedicine Association - Duration: 1 May 2011 → … |
Conference
| Conference | 16th Annual International Meeting of the American Telemedicine Association |
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| Period | 1/05/11 → … |
EGS Disciplines
- Community Health and Preventive Medicine
- Environmental Public Health
- Public Health
