Effects of a Systems-Level Intervention to Improve Trainer Integrity in a Behavioral Healthcare Organization

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Health
• Healthcare Training Systems
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Background:

• Direct support professionals (DSPs) are crucial for health outcomes in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) living in group settings.
• Behavioral healthcare organizations utilize peer trainers to onboard new DSPs.
• Effective training systems are needed to ensure consistent and high-quality support for individuals with IDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe consultation activities aimed at establishing systems for effective peer training of DSPs.
• To improve the integrity and consistency of peer training within congregate living settings for individuals with IDD.

Main Methods:

• Trained staff members to serve as peer trainers.
• Assessed barriers to effective training in the natural work environment.
• Implemented a systems-level intervention based on assessment findings to enhance peer trainer integrity.

Main Results:

• Assessment identified that peer trainers lacked awareness of training expectations and did not receive feedback or consequences.
• A systems-level intervention, including prompts, feedback, and monetary incentives, significantly improved peer trainer integrity.

Conclusions:

• Systems-level interventions, informed by thorough assessment, can effectively enhance peer trainer integrity.
• Improved peer trainer integrity ensures new DSPs consistently implement health protocols for individuals with IDD, leading to better health outcomes.