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. doi: 10.14236/jhi.v25i2.919.

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.

Keywords: ADHD; behavioural assessment; behavioural interventions; eHealth system; effect size; information processing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy*
  • Child
  • Communication
  • Evidence-Based Practice / methods*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Medical Informatics
  • Parents / education
  • Parents / psychology
  • Problem Behavior / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Telemedicine / methods