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Addressing Medical Issues in Behavior Analytic Treatment

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Abstract

This article offers strategies to help behavior analysts address medical issues which may affect behavioral intervention, beginning with the intake process and continuing through treatment and the coordination of care with other healthcare providers. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s ethical guidelines for seeking medical consultation are reviewed. The importance of documenting clients’ medical histories at intake and keeping updated medical files is emphasized. Behavioral manifestations and data patterns that may serve as red flags for medical problems are reviewed, with an emphasis on clients with limited verbal skills who cannot describe their symptoms. Multiple aspects of the behavior analyst’s role in the coordination of care for clients’ medical conditions are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. One Community Health Center, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Linda Copeland

  2. Pacific Autism Learning Services, 1358 Blue Oaks Blvd., Suite 300, Roseville, CA, 95678, USA

    Gregory Buch

Authors
  1. Linda Copeland
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  2. Gregory Buch
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Correspondence to Gregory Buch.

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Appendix: Content Areas/Questions for Medical History Forms

Appendix: Content Areas/Questions for Medical History Forms

  • Primary care doctor’s name and phone number.

  • All medical conditions (diagnoses) that the client has received.

  • For each medical condition, provide treating doctor’s name, treating doctor’s specialty, and treating doctor’s phone number.

  • All other doctors treating the client and their phone numbers.

  • Hospital/clinic preference.

  • Dentist’s name and phone number.

  • Allergies.

  • Safety concerns of special note.

  • Special dietary needs.

  • Current prescription medications, including: (a) dosage, (b) route of administration, (c) administration times, (d) what the medication is used for, and (e) potential side effects.

  • Current over-the-counter medications, herbal treatments, and supplements, including: (a) dosage, (b) route of administration, (c) administration times, (d) what the medication is used for, and (e) potential side effects.

  • Current weight.

  • Current height.

  • Handedness.

  • Vision or hearing problems/concerns.

  • Date of last hearing test and who performed it (physician, audiologist, school, etc.).

  • Prior surgeries (operations) and hospitalizations.

  • Eating problems.

  • Sleeping problems.

  • Toileting problems.

  • Problems during pregnancy.

  • Problems during delivery.

  • Problems during first year of life.

  • Serious illnesses or injuries (such as head injury) in the past.

  • Seizures: include: (a) type, (b) description of typical seizure event, (c) medications, and (d) special diets.

  • Immunization status: are immunizations up to date?

  • Has client ever been admitted to hospital/treatment center for psychiatric, behavioral, or crisis situations?

  • Is client currently receiving psychotherapy or counseling?

  • Who has current custody/guardianship of child?

  • Medical restrictions to client’s activities.

  • Does client have a history of substance use, including tobacco and alcohol?

  • Is client an identified risk to self or others? Are they suicidal or do they pose a risk of homicide?

  • Is client under Department of Corrections supervision or under civil or criminal court-ordered mental health or chemical dependency treatment?

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Copeland, L., Buch, G. Addressing Medical Issues in Behavior Analytic Treatment. Behav Analysis Practice 13, 240–246 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-019-00342-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-019-00342-9

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