Impacting Patient Outcomes with Applied Behavior Analysis

This paper will discuss how Applied Behavior Analysis can be used to improve patient outcomes by looking at specific case examples.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study and application of behavior principles to modify human behavior. ABA has been shown to be an effective treatment method for various disorders, ranging from developmental disabilities such as autism to more serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of ABA in improving patient outcomes in healthcare settings.

One example of how ABA can be used to improve patient outcomes is through the use of behavior contracts. Behavior contracts are agreements between a clinician and a patient that specify certain behaviors that the patient agrees to perform (or not perform) in order to receive a desired reinforcement (such as a reward). Behavior contracts have been shown to be an effective treatment method for a variety of disorders, including substance abuse, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.

Another example of how ABA can be used to improve patient outcomes is through the use of contingency management. Contingency management is a form of behavior therapy that uses reinforcing stimuli (such as rewards or privileges) to increase desired behaviors and decrease undesired behaviors. Contingency management has been shown to be an effective treatment method for a variety of disorders, including substance abuse, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia.

A third example of how ABA can be used to improve patient outcomes is through the use of token economies. Token economies are systems in which patients earn rewards (tokens) for desired behaviors and can exchange these tokens for other reinforcement (such as privileges or tangible rewards). Token economies have been shown to be an effective treatment method for a variety of disorders, including developmental disabilities, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a powerful tool that can be used to improve patient outcomes across a wide range of disorders. By using ABA to implement behavior contracts, contingency management, and token economies, healthcare providers can help their patients achieve lasting positive changes in their health and well-being.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Cohen, J. (2011). Applied behavior analysis: Principles and procedures in behavior modification (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.