Using telemedicine to conduct behavioral assessments

Abstract

We describe the use of telemedicine by the Biobehavioral Service at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to conduct brief functional analyses for children with developmental and behavioral disorders who live in rural areas of Iowa. Instead of being served at our outpatient facility, participants received initial behavioral assessments in their local schools or social service agencies via videoconference. Case descriptions for 2 participants whose evaluations were conducted via telemedicine, and a brief summary of all outpatient assessments conducted over a 4-year period by the Biobehavioral Service, are provided. This report extends previous applications of functional analysis procedures by examining brief behavioral assessments conducted via telemedicine.

Figure 1. Responses per minute of disruptive behavior during functional analysis for Charlie (top) and percentage of 6-s intervals of self-injury during functional analysis for Daisy (bottom).

Figure 2. Summary of new and return evaluations conducted in clinic and ICN evaluations conducted during the 1997–2000 period.