AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM- IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT?
The Twenties- the age of technology. In today’s world, everything you can possibly think of has an “Application”. The transfer of information happens within a matter of seconds, and anything less is deemed as being “outdated”. However, when looked into the world of ABA, many Providers have not made the transition from the “paper data collection” method to an electronic one. With the pressure of being paperless growing, the question arises “Is it really worth the investment?”. The task of switching from a System which has been a part of your clinical experience seems daunting. We as Behavior Analyst pride ourselves at being able to change behavior, however changing our own behavior seems like an impossible task. Will the current process I have really measure up to an electronic system?
There are numerous reasons as to why a clinic may have not made the switch or have made the switch but are not fully satisfied with their System. These reasons can include:
- The cost associated with being an electronic or paperless clinic
- A System not having a variety of data collection options
- Using multiple different Systems for various processes throughout the clinic
- The ease of convenience paper data collection may hold
- Or simply not having enough of information or have found a System which fits your clinical needs
Whatever it may be, there are 3 main factors which come to mind when thinking about a switch- cost association, variety of data collection options and navigating through multiple different Systems.
Cost Association
In my opinion, Cost Association should be broken into 2 separate categories.
- The physical cost of implementing a System, which includes things such as paying for a subscription, buying compatible devices or paying for training
- The overhead cost which can include time investment in learning a System, a phase of transitioning and the stress associated with that or reevaluating clinical processes
Variety of Data Collection Options
In the world of ABA, data can be recorded on any behavior, which means the basic “count” and “percentage” data collection methods can be manipulated to create various methods. As a clinic you want to find a System which allows for numerous data collection methods and room for growth as methods change over time.
Multiple Different Systems
While Data Collection is the bulk of a clinic, there are many other Processes which run simultaneously, either before, after or during the occurrence of Direct Services. Examples include a potential client calling the front office, in clinic RBT/staff training, the emergence of a dual role/position within the clinic or scheduling patients across various locations. Processes like the ones I mentioned have intricate details and while they are all separate, they must work together for a clinic to run successfully. It is common for a clinic to use a variety of Electronic Systems, however making sure those Systems are running these Processes cohesively requires a great deal of effort and communication from all parties involved.
When looking at the 3 factors discussed above how is APMCS different from all the other Electronic Systems?
1.Cost Association
Like many other Systems, APMCS is subscription-based on the number of Active patients you have in the System. However, one main difference between APMCS and other Systems is the compatibility component. There are 2 kinds of Management/Data Collection Systems: App Based and Web Based.
- App Based: for this type you would need to download an App for certain features to work (such as the Data Collection portion of a System) while the remaining features are used on a Web browser (Programming section, scheduling etc). However, an App Based System has 2 flaws. The first one being that just like other Apps, when newer versions get released, devices become less compatible; So, the device which you had originally invested in no longer works. The second flaw being that instantons changes are not immediately reflected to the person using the App (a correction of a bug or the BCBA making programming changes while a session is occurring).
- Web Based: for this type of System, no App is required, meaning any device with a Brower can be used. This allows you to make a one-time investment in a device.
APMCS is a Wed Based System, which means you would not be required to make multiple investments in devices because all devices are compatible, including your cellular device. This also means that changes can be reflected instantaneously. For example, if your BCBA makes a program change while a direct session is happening, that change can be seen while the RBT is collecting data during a patient’s direct session. No longer would you have to personally inform all RBTs on that patient’s team for the day or wait for a new session to start for the changes to show.
2.Variety of Data Collection Options
APMCS has numerous data collection methods and options built into the System ranging from percent, count/instances, duration occurrences, time intervals, task analysis, generalization, retention, and maintenance checks. The System is also the first of its kind to allow for both Traditional Verbal Behavior and Non-Traditional data collect types to occur. Furthermore, APMCS allows customization within the entire System to occur, meaning if there is a data collection type, graph or procedure which is specific to your clinic, Aheed Technology can work with you to create it.
3. Multiple Different Systems
APMCS is not only a Data Collection System but a Practice Management one as well. Gone are the days or using 5 different Systems to get the work done. APMCS offers the following different Systems in an all-inclusive model: Intake/On-boarding of new patients, Data Collection, Patient Management and Scheduling (across multiple locations), Billing and Invoicing, Employee Management, Staff Training Management and Parent Portals. Based on a User or Role Permission, by logging into the System, an individual has access to all the mentioned Systems, making on-going real-time communication simple and convenient.
Of course, a System of this magnitude has many other features, which are either enhanced from previous Systems or are specifically designed by Aheed Technology for APMCS.
We knows that stress that can come with making sure you are picking a System that bests fits your clinical needs. Contact us for a Demo to see how APMCS can take your clinic to the next level.
