Clinical Outcomes of a Hybrid Model Approach to Applied Behavioral Analysis Treatment

Anurag Garikipati; Madalina Ciobanu; Navan Preet Singh; Gina Barnes; Jenna Decurzio; Qingqing Mao; Ritankar Das

doi:10.7759/cureus.36727

Clinical Outcomes of a Hybrid Model Approach to Applied Behavioral Analysis Treatment

Cureus. 2023 Mar 27;15(3):e36727. doi: 10.7759/cureus.36727. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Authors

Anurag Garikipati¹, Madalina Ciobanu¹, Navan Preet Singh², Gina Barnes¹, Jenna Decurzio¹, Qingqing Mao¹, Ritankar Das³

Affiliations

¹ Research and Development, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA.
² Engineering, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA.
³ Executive Leadership, Montera, Inc. DBA Forta, San Francisco, USA.

Abstract

Objective This study examines the implementation of a hybrid applied behavioral analysis (ABA) treatment model to determine its impact on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patient outcomes. Methods Retrospective data were collected for 25 pediatric patients to measure progress before and after the implementation of a hybrid ABA treatment model under which therapists consistently captured session notes electronically regarding goals and patient progress. ABA treatment was streamlined for consistent delivery, with improved software utilization for tracking scheduling and progress. Eleven goals within three domains (behavioral, social, and communication) were examined. Results After the implementation of the hybrid model, the goal success rate improved by 9.7% compared to the baseline; 41.8% of goals showed improvement, 38.4% showed a flat trend, and 19.8% showed deterioration. Multiple goals trended upwards in 76% of the patients. Conclusion This pilot study demonstrated that enhancing the consistency with which ABA treatment is monitored/delivered can improve patient outcomes as seen through improved attainment of goals.

Keywords: applied behavior analysis; autism; hybrid model aba; patient outcomes; treatment.