|
| The Science and Politics of Achieving a Cultural Shift toward Science-based, Effective Treatment |
| Monday, May 31, 2004 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Back Bay A |
| Area: DDA/OBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Wayne S. Robb (Guardian Healthcare at Hazelwood Center) |
| Discussant: Teresa A. Rodgers (Developmental Disabilities Program Office) |
| Abstract: Learning Objectives
Participants will learn to identify treatment environments in which a cultural shift is necessary.
Participants will learn to collect baseline and intervention data to measure components of a cultural shift in a treatment environment.
Participants will learn to assess intervention data related to changes in a treatment environment. |
| |
| Entering the Shift Zone |
| ERIC M. SHULTS (Guardian Healthcare at Hazelwood Center) |
| Abstract: Behavior analytic education and treatment interventions for individuals who present behavior challenges have been shown to be effective in both research and applied settings. Surprisingly, many programs that serve individuals with behavioral challenges remain unaware of the effective behavioral treatment options available to them. As a result, Behavior Analysts are often faced with the initial challenge of educating service providers, programs and facilities as to the necessary changes that must occur in the treatment environment prior to the implementation of individualized treatment for the consumer. The behavior Analyst must then assist the treatment agent to rearrange several aspects of the treatment environment to maximize the effectiveness of any potential intervention. More specifically, arrangement of the treatment environment often requires the Behavior Analyst to help establish a culture in which effective and humane treatment and education can occur. This typically involves a lengthy process of education with required involvement from the upper administration through the direct caregiver. This symposium describes the steps through which such a beneficial cultural shift might occur. |
| |
| Data-based Steps Toward Cultural Shift |
| THOMAS GUNN HARVEY (Guardian Healthcare at Hazelwood Center) |
| Abstract: Effecting a change in behavior in a large number of individuals whose charge is to provide habilitative services to individuals with developmental disabilities is a complex and often frustrating task. However, the task, as with all other efforts to change behavior, is more manageable when it is broken down into smaller components. The first order of business in attempting to achieve a cultural shift in a large facility is to obtain baseline measures of areas that are likely to be targeted for change. In this presentation we will discuss the identification and implementation of baseline measures for areas targeted for change in a large facility for persons with mental retardation. Interventions that were used to assist in beginning a cultural shift at that facility will also be discussed. Data on the relative effectiveness of some of these interventions will be presented. A critical review of some of the interventions and measurement systems will then be presented. |
| |
| Lessons Learned Along the Way |
| CHRISTIE FYFFE-ZAWISZA (Guardian Healthcare at Hazelwood Center) |
| Abstract: Attempting to achieve a cultural shift toward science-based effective treatment in a large organization is often a long and cumbersome process. Often the introduction of treatment approaches, such as applied behavior analysis, with a long history of proven results is met with skepticism and outright resistance. Surprisingly, administrators and behavior change agents are often unaware that a powerful technology exists to minimize challenging behavior and to teach new functional skills. The introduction and eventual implementation of this technology must be done carefully and gradually. In this presentation we will examine how we attempted to introduce effective and humane behavior change technology in a large facility for persons with mental retardation. The way in which areas targeted for change were identified and prioritized will be presented. Finally, successful and unsuccessful strategies that were used in an effort to achieve a cultural shift in this facility will be discussed. |
|
| |