Therapists, occupational, physical, speech/language and others provide a “hands-on” approach that allows them time with patients and their families that may not be duplicated in other areas. TPCOS therapists are trained in Behavior Transition (BeTr™) coaching techniques as an augmentation to their other professional skills. Being able to know why a patient or family member is acting in a particular manner is essential for determining the best intervention.
Far too often when a patient seemingly “misbehaves” we often become frustrated. Most therapists can only shake their heads and wonder what the patient was thinking. TPCOS therapists look at the behavior from the patient’s perspective. We look at the consequences of results of the behavior. Once we know why a behavior is occurring we can develop an appropriate intervention.
For more information about our applied research please contact Dr. Robert Wright at (321) 439-5949.
Applied behavior techniques allow TPCOS therapists to be truly patient focused and give us an edge towards figuring out the best plan of care for our patients. TPCOS therapists become patient advocates as we learn to recognize causes and reinforcers of behavior. Releasing a patient from therapy early, “Because she was having a bad day…” may seem like the right thing to do. On the other hand releasing the patient early is reinforcing and you can expect to see that “excuse” again. TPCOS therapists help the patients and their families examine the consequences of their behaviors so they can understand what it may mean to their recovery and return to home.
TPCS nurses administer the Medication Adherence Assessment Scale (MAAS) and share the results with the attending provider and the home health team. The MAAS was specifically designed to help identify patients who are most at risk for non-adherence after discharge. TPCS Home Health Nurses can follow up and work with patients and their families to identify at-risk behaviors and develop behavior intervention plans to improve adherence. For more information about our applied research please contact us.