Using telemedicine to conduct behavioral assessments

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Telehealth

Background:

• The Biobehavioral Service at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics serves children with developmental and behavioral disorders.
• Rural populations often face barriers to accessing specialized healthcare services.
• Functional analyses are crucial for understanding and treating behavioral disorders.

Observation:

• Telemedicine was utilized to conduct brief functional analyses for pediatric patients residing in rural Iowa.
• Assessments were performed remotely via videoconferencing, with participants located in local schools or social service agencies.
• This method aimed to overcome geographical and logistical challenges associated with traditional outpatient services.

Findings:

• The study details the application of telemedicine for conducting brief functional analyses in pediatric behavioral health.
• Case examples illustrate successful remote evaluations for children with developmental and behavioral disorders.
• Data from a 4-year period of outpatient assessments are summarized, contextualizing the telemedicine approach.

Implications:

• Telemedicine offers a viable solution for delivering specialized behavioral health services to underserved rural populations.
• Remote functional analyses can improve accessibility and reduce barriers to care for children with developmental and behavioral disorders.
• This methodology expands the application of functional analysis procedures within a telehealth framework.