Introduction to TelePBS

Introduction to TelePBS
Video Transcript
July 2021

Dr Genevieve Johnsson (TelePBS Practice Leader and Researcher):

TelePBS is the delivery of positive behavior support via telepractice. Telepractice is how we integrate multiple methods. Video conferencing, audio conferencing, emails, texts and phone calls to deliver services at a distance.

Jessica Degrassi (PBS, Active Support & Safeguarding Manager):

TelePBS is something we're very passionate about because it does support participants who may not be able to access services. We know that generally in the sector, there is sometimes a lack or inability to be able to access behaviour support where that person lives particularly if they're regional and remote.

TelePBS in that way is able to really help and support people in a way that we never really thought possible before. It's able to make sure that people with disability can access really good quality behavior support services wherever they are and in whatever environment they are in as well.

Capucine (Caregiver):

From a logistical point of view, the telepractice is much easier for me. Having four kids, having to take them... They are young and each time I have an appointment, face-to-face appointment, I have to take them all most of the time which is really challenging.

I was initially concerned that maybe not being face-to-face could be an issue but it was just the opposite. It works. At some point, you forget the screen and so really having telepractice was working much better for me at that time than face-to-face and today if I had a choice, I would definitely choose as much telepractice as possible because it's time-saving and also from a logistic, it's much, much easier to do this way.

Dr Genevieve Johnsson (TelePBS Practice Leader and Researcher):

Our research is telling us that the PBS process actually maps really well to an online telepractice approach. Our practitioners tell us that sometimes they can get some great observations like being a fly on the wall. They can see the participant in their natural environment and the natural interactions with the people around them.

Erin Guy (Behaviour Support Practitioner):

I believe I can build the same rapport in TelePBS is what I can in a face-to-face session. It might take a little bit longer and it might look a little bit different but I think it's about being creative.

Luckily, a lot of our individuals love tech so it's about using tech in a way that is inviting and makes the individual feel comfortable. If I know an individual loves Ninja Turtles, I'll make sure that we watch some Ninja Turtle clips together before getting into the more complicated things.

One family who I was working with were able to walk me through their house with their device, their iPad and show me the rooms in which behaviors would occur and talk about the escalations that would happen in those settings so I was able to really understand that.

I think it was also good because I wasn't there as a distraction. I was very much a fly on the wall in the background just gathering information. I don't feel as though I impacted the environment too much so I was able to get a really clear shot of what was going on.

Ethan (PBS Participant):

If we don’t have time to do our face to face, I mean like I am, like come together for one, it would be ok doing those, but every once in a while if like let’s say for example you’re sick, but you can still do a session, like maybe do something like that then.

Erin Guy (Behaviour Support Practitioner):

That's such a good example, Ethan because I might have a bit of a sniffle or something. I can still do work but I don't want to be around people and spread germs but I can still have a session with you from home.

Ethan (PBS Participant):

Yeah.

Erin Guy (Behaviour Support Practitioner):

What a good example.

Jessica Degrassi (PBS, Active Support & Safeguarding Manager):

Can be used as either a hybrid. Can be used by itself to really support people and reach people in areas we never thought possible.

Erin Guy (Behaviour Support Practitioner):

A lot of our families have actually chosen to continue with the TelePBS model because they've realized that it works better for them. They don't have that added pressure of having someone in their home so they can be in their PJ's.

They can have an untidy house and not stress about that. Again, they've realized that that's quite easy for them to schedule into their day as well.

Jessica Degrassi (PBS, Active Support & Safeguarding Manager):

It really is in terms of the future of PBS and TelePBS. It is very much here to stay.