The WHAAM Application: a Tool to Support the Evidence-Based Practice in the Functional Behaviour Assessment.

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The WHAAM Application: a Tool to Support the Evidence-Based Practice in the Functional Behaviour Assessment.

J Innov Health Inform. 2018 Jun 29;25(2):63-70

Authors: Merlo G, Chiazzese G, Sanches-Ferreira M, Chifari A, Seta L, McGee C, Mirisola A, Giammusso I

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The most recent computing technologies can promote the application of evidence-based practice (EBP) in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
OBJECTIVE: The study describes how the use of technology can simplify the application of evidence-based practices in applied behaviour analysis.
METHODS: The WHAAM application demonstrates this in the following two case studies. We are monitoring dysfunctional behaviours, collecting behavioural data, performing systematic direct observations, creating a visual baseline and intervention charts and evaluating the planned interventions using the TAU-U statistical index.
RESULTS: Significant positive changes of children’s problem behaviours are observed and recorded. Both the duration of the identified behaviour “to get out of bed in time” (r = -.79, TAU-U = -.58, p < .05) and the frequency of the behaviour “interrupting others” (r= -.96, TAU-U = -.82, p < .01) decreased.
CONCLUSION: the WHAAM application is an effective tool to support functional behaviour assessments and it is an example of how technology can support practitioners by facilitating the application of evidence-based practices and increasing the communication among clinical, educational and family environments.

PMID: 30398447 [PubMed – in process]

via https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30398447?dopt=Abstract