Computer-based training to teach structured mealtime assessment skills

Area of Science:

• Behavior analysis
• Pediatric feeding disorders
• E-learning and instructional design

Background:

• Pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is prevalent, necessitating effective behavior-analytic interventions.
• Limited availability of intensive feeding programs restricts access to specialized training and services.
• Existing in vivo training resources are scarce, highlighting the need for alternative training methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of computer-based e-learning modules for training clinicians in a structured mealtime assessment for pediatric feeding disorder.
• To adapt and replicate previous feeding protocol training procedures using novel e-learning modules.
• To assess the generalization of learned skills to untrained protocols and novel child behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Fourteen undergraduate students and two registered behavior technicians participated in the study.
• Participants underwent training using adapted e-learning modules based on Ibañez et al. (2022).
• Performance was assessed on a structured mealtime assessment, with generalization probes conducted.

Main Results:

• All participants demonstrated significant improvements in performance following the e-learning module training.
• Generalization of learned assessment skills was observed across two untrained protocols.
• Participants also showed generalization of skills to novel child behaviors during assessments.

Conclusions:

• Computer-based e-learning modules are effective for training clinicians in pediatric feeding disorder assessment.
• E-learning provides a scalable and accessible method for disseminating specialized behavior-analytic training.
• Further research should explore the development and validation of e-learning for various feeding protocols.