Preliminary Evaluation of the Impact of Service Modality on Treatment Outcome and Acceptability Using a Function-Based Behavioral Caregiver Training Program

Abstract

Few studies have investigated caregiver choice surrounding the modality for behavior therapy for pediatric challenging behavior. This preliminary study sought to (1) understand the factors impacting consumer decisions regarding virtual or in-person behavior therapy and (2) evaluate the associated clinical outcomes using a quasi-experimental design. Forty nine participants received behavioral services for the assessment and treatment of tantrum behaviors. Paired sample t-tests and a one-way ANOVA were conducted to evaluate outcomes. Results suggest choices were most frequently based on caregiver perceptions regarding speed of improvement; modality changes were most associated with failure to make progress. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Keywords:

• Attrition
• caregiver involvement
• caregiver training
• disruptive behavior
• Service modality
• telehealth

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Jessica Becraft and Steven Lindauer for their assistance with preparation of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All study materials can be made available by the corresponding author upon request.