Ethical Risk-Benefit Analysis for Behavioral Interventions

School
Capella University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
PSY 7710
Subject
Psychology
Date
Dec 11, 2024
Pages
6
Uploaded by ChefCapybara5054
1 Risk-Benefit Analysis of a Controversial InterventionWanda Kay HiattDepartment of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Capella UniversityPSY 7710: Ethics for Behavior AnalystsDr. Meridith MatesDecember 10, 2023
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2To the family of Juan, I am so pleased to be working with Juan and so glad that you and your family reached out regarding his treatment. First, I would like to go over some of the problems with the previous assessment and the recommendation of chemical restraints and keeping him on lockdown in his room. Chemical restraint is in no way behavior analytic, and I appreciate the opportunity to give you better options for Juan. Under our ethics codes the following are an issue with how they proceeded.Section 3:01 responsibility to clients: Juan is of utmost importance in this, and he deserves to be assessed and treated with respect and dignity. Juan and his family should be involved in all that is happening with him, and the treatment deemed necessary for him. That is also one of our codes of ethics to include all involved in treatment decisions. That informed consent is given in any treatment considered. Section 2.13 is selecting, designing, and implementing assessments. There is no record of this being done for Juan so there is no way that a decision can be made based on any kind of scientific evidence, to meet the needs he has at this time. In turn code 2.14 which is selecting designing and implementing interventions is then called into question since nothing has been assessed properly then there is no way to implement a consistent scientifically based intervention. Section 2:15 Any risks involved with the implementation of behavioral interventions should be thoroughly discussed with you so that you can make a sound decision regarding his treatment. The treatment should be explained prior to implementation so that everyone involved understands what we are doing and how we are doing it. This is covered in section 2:16 of the ethics code. (BACB, 2020) The way all of this was done is in complete violation of so many of our ethics codes that I apologize and truly hope my recommendations are of some comfort to you in this challenging
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3time. I have spent some time with Juan to observe his behaviors and triggers to his aggression. I can make my recommendation based on these observations and the proper assessments of Juan. Chemical restraint will not be one of my recommendations as this has serious side effects that include sedation, social isolation and increase agitation. (Buchanan, 2006) It seems the two areas we will want to work on first is wandering and the aggressive behavioral will first discuss the wandering three distinct factors are involved here, stress and coping patterns, previous work roles and familiar places and things. (Buchanan, 2006) Verbal aggression many times is merely a sign of the frustration he is experiencing. I truly feel that the same behavioral techniques will be quite effective with Juan. The behavioral approach we hope to implement. I will discuss the treatment and the risks and benefits involved with the intervention.
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4Risk-Benefit WorksheetABA ProcedureThe ABA procedure I am recommending is the Montessori Method. This is set with core values of respect, dignity with an emphasis on seeing the person in the person with dementia.Special MethodsThe Montessori method emphasizes the skills that Juan already has. By using his capabilities, he can learn he is still independent, and will engage in purposeful and meaningful activities.RisksRisk NumberRisksNotes1Increased confusionHopefully only as he learns new roles2The focus is on cognitive functionThere this may benefit in the cognitive area enough focus may not be on his emotional well being3Trial and errorIn finding what activity may bepositive for Juan4Need caregivers onboardEveryone must be involved in the treatment
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5BenefitsBenefit NumberBenefitNotes1To be engaged in a diversionBut still learning an old or even new trick 2Highlight his abilities and interest remember a sense of belongingBy having him take part in activities or games he has always enjoyed he can be a part of his community3Rules are set but not the primary focusThe activities will have the necessary rules but carrying out the activity is the primary focus4More interaction and socializationThis is always a plus as socializing and remembering together can be a happy thingSummary of Risks vs BenefitsThe benefits of this technique far outweigh the risks. In multiple studies the Montessori Method has proven beneficial to the patient. It can be a successful way for creating engagement and reconnection. (Lee M.M. et al 2007)
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6ReferencesBailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2016). Ethics for behavior analysts (3rd ed.). Routledge.Buchanan, J. A. (2006). A review of behavioral treatments for persons with dementia. The Behavior Analyst Today, 7(4), 521–537. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0100092 Lee, M. M., Camp, C. J., & Malone, M. L. (2007). Effects of intergenerational Montessori-basedactivities programming on engagement of nursing home residents with dementia. Clinical interventions in aging, 2(3), 477–483.Trahan, M. A., Kahng, S., Fisher, A. B., & Hausman, N. L. (2011). Behavior-analytic research on dementia in older adults. Journal of applied behavior analysis, 44(3), 687–691. https://doi.org/10.1901/jaba.2011.44-687
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