A Survey of Barriers Experienced while Providing Supervision via Telehealth: Implications for Future Research and Practice

• Published in: Behavior analysis in practice Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 70 - 86
• Main Authors: Sipila-Thomas, Emma S., Brodhead, Matthew T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.03.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Consumer protection; COVID-19; Discussion and Review Paper; Psychology; Supervisors; Telemedicine; United States > US; Applied behavior analysis; Telehealth; Barriers; Supervision
• ISSN: 1998-1929; 2196-8934
• DOI: 10.1007/s40617-023-00860-7

Telehealth is an acceptable service delivery mechanism for applied behavior analytic interventions and has led to positive outcomes for decreasing problem behavior and increasing skill acquisition in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Literature regarding best practices for providing behavior analytic services via telehealth has increased; however, limited literature exists on training, best practices, implementation guidelines, and troubleshooting resources when providing supervision to supervisees via telehealth. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the barriers to supervision via telehealth of BCBAs and those pursuing their BCBA credential. Following survey distribution and completion, participant data were analyzed for specific barriers encountered while providing behavioral supervision during telehealth and the strategies participants used to address or mitigate those barriers. Based on our findings, we also present troubleshooting resources and recommendations to help supervising behavior analysts prepare for and mitigate any supervisory barriers that may occur in the future.