Comparison of behavior tracking methods.

摘要

Individuals with severe developmental disabilities often experience a variety of problematic behavior patterns which result in harm to themselves or others around them. Behavioral intervention, which includes the observation of a problematic behavior and a resultant plan on how to address or prevent that behavior, has been demonstrated to substantially increase the quality of life for these individuals. Most forms of behavioral intervention, due to its empirical underpinnings, require interventionists to track the occurrence of the problematic behavior in order to evaluate the efficacy of the implemented plan. Most often, this involves the use of paper tracking sheets. Little attention has been paid to the way that behaviors have been tracked during the process of behavioral intervention. Paper tracking does not offer accountability and, in real world settings, is often neglected by staff members who work with individuals with severe developmental disabilities. The result is poor data which reduces the efficacy of behavioral intervention plans.;This study involved the creation of a smart phone application which was used to track the occurrence of consultant identified problematic behaviors in adults with developmental disabilities. The application was evaluated in a day program for adults with developmental disabilities. Staff at the program were trained to use the application. In a single subject design, paper and electronic behavior tracking were compared. The results suggest that electronic charting was able to capture more instances of problematic behavior than was captured on paper. However, it is unclear how accurate the charting via paper or electronic means is in this setting. An exploratory survey was administered to assess staff's attitudes towards behavioral interventions and the individuals with whom they work. Data on their personality characteristics and racial identification was also collected. The survey may have implications for staff hiring. Subsequent studies may further refine the survey questions.