The Value of Telehealth
In today’s rapidly evolving digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in bridging gaps and providing solutions to longstanding problems. One such invaluable innovation is telehealth, and at the forefront of leveraging this technology to deliver quality behavioral support to families is AAI.
You may see us utilizing telehealth technology! Telehealth allows us to provide medically necessary behavioral services to families in rural areas via a hybrid model that includes in-person visits and remote video supervision by distinguished Board Certified Behavior Analysts chosen from across the country. Moreover, it allows our staff top-notch mentorship and easier access to your behavior support team.
We know telehealth can be a whole new world for some families. Most of the clients we serve find the ease of access to their case supervisor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) an essential benefit that allows their supervisor to spend less time commuting to and from their sessions and more time actually in the sessions. Our hybrid model allows for weekly telemedicine visits from your supervisor or BCBA and weekly or daily in-person visits from your Behavior Technician (BT).
Occasionally, we will provide daily telemedicine BT visits in lieu of in-person visits for families in rural areas where we do not have access to BTs. In this circumstance, you will still be offered the same direct service and supervision hours you would be if in-person visits were occurring.
Benefits
• Access to distinguished BCBAs from across the country.
• Reduced time on waitlists for services and reduced drive time for staff, which allows for more time in sessions with your child.
• More immediate support is available for parents for in-the-moment behavior challenges.
• More immediate support is available for RBTs with questions or challenges during sessions.
• More frequent review of session data by BCBAs leads to dynamic adjustments in treatment to support progress.
What does a typical Telehealth session look like?
Your BT will arrive at the location of your session (home, school, clinic, etc.). He or she will run the session, collecting data on your child’s behaviors and skill acquisition on the company iPad. This data gets instantly uploaded to our secure practice management system, where the BCBA can review it regularly and make treatment decisions accordingly.
If the supervisor will be attending a session that day, he or she will send your BT a link to the secure video chatroom. The BT will set up the iPad on a tripod or use a telepresence robot if needed so the supervisor can get a clear picture and sound to observe the session. The supervisor will then be able to provide feedback and make adjustments to your child’s plan. This is a great time for your child to say hi to the supervisor and for you to update him or her on anything that has evolved over the past week with your child.
If the Lead RBT is attending the session that day, he or she will arrive at the location of the session, check in with you and the BT, introduce new program goals, and model or demonstrate interventions. Your Lead RBT may also bring you materials or resources that will benefit you during and outside of sessions.
AAI provides our staff with all the essential equipment to run a session. The only thing we need from you is your WiFi. If you do not have a strong WiFi connection in your home, please notify your assessor right away so we can determine a reasonable troubleshooting plan.
Beyond Just Technology: AAI’s Vision for Telehealth
- Research and Continuous Evolution: AAI’s engagement with telehealth is not static. The agency is actively involved in research to understand and improve the efficacy and reach of this tool. This research-driven approach ensures that telehealth isn’t just a temporary solution but a continuously evolving one, shaped by real-world needs and experiences.
- Ethical and Responsible Use: While technology offers immense possibilities, AAI is acutely aware of the responsibilities that come with it. Telehealth is not used as a mere placeholder or stop-gap arrangement. Instead, AAI sees it as a powerful evolution in care delivery and is committed to understanding its nuances, potentials, and pitfalls. The objective has always been clear: to use technology in ways that genuinely benefit the families they serve.
- A Deeper Commitment: AAI’s telehealth initiatives are underpinned by the belief that every family, irrespective of their geographical location or socio-economic status, should have the best possible behavioral support. While we use technology as a tool, AAI’s mission is still powered by genuine human empathy and commitment.
AAI’s journey with telehealth serves as an inspiring example of how technology, when used responsibly and ethically, can change lives. As we move forward, AAI’s dedication to driving and refining telehealth showcases a beacon of hope, ensuring a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment for all families navigating behavioral challenges.
AAI’s Pioneering Efforts in Telehealth
From its inception, AAI has demonstrated a robust commitment to reaching rural and underserved families. Recognizing the transformative potential of telehealth early on, AAI became one of the first agencies to responsibly adopt this technology in 2016. Securing approval to use remote BCBAs, long before many of its contemporaries. This foresight was not just a matter of convenience; it was AAI’s profound mission to make behavioral support accessible to all.