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Using statistical process control to make data-based clinical decisions
1New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island 10314, USA.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Applied behavior analysis uses data to understand behavior. Statistical process control (SPC) offers tools for continuous improvement in human services, enhancing client outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Background:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA) traditionally analyzes behavior through antecedents, behavior, and consequences.
- Empirical evaluation of hypotheses and data-based clinical decisions are central to ABA.
Observation:
- This paper explores Statistical Process Control (SPC), a quality control method from industrial engineering.
- SPC, developed by Shewhart and Deming, focuses on continual improvement and customer satisfaction.
Findings:
- SPC utilizes tools like control charts and Pareto charts for data analysis.
- Integrating SPC into human service organizations can drive continuous improvement in client functioning.
- Examples demonstrate SPC's application in analyzing behavioral data.
Implications:
- SPC offers a novel approach to analyzing variability in behavioral data.
- Adoption of SPC can enhance data-based clinical decision-making.
- Creating a supportive organizational climate is crucial for routine SPC implementation.