Procedures

Before Independio, research aimed to explore the major features that could be useful in an app. This helped our team to determine which features would be affective with real case studies. After requesting permission from each individual and their families, data was compiled from 1 to 2 quarters before Independio was introduced, and 3 and 6 months after implementation of Independio features.

First, the skill building specialist (SBS) or behaviorial support specialist (BSS) would work with the user and their families on a comprehensive checklist to get more information about the individuals, including what motivates them, what is most important to their independence, etc. The checklist assessments were simply named the Skill Building Checklist.

To begin, the SBS administered the Checklist at the baseline. Then data was collected for at least 1 quarter before Independio features were introduced as well as 3 months then 6 months after. In addition, the professionals would use an interactive online version of the task analysis or other data collection method that included Visual, Audio and Video prompting for the user to click on independently. This gave the individual more varied prompting options and allowed the professional to observe more clearly without having to be directly involved.

Data Collection Procedure

All data was collected using the online manual Independio site that was designed to support professionals with collecting accurate data. Professionals would input data from their phones as they are working on the steps of a new skill with the individual; documenting the opportunities offered to the individual, the number of successful opportunities, and how many prompts the individual needed each time an opportunity was presented. Professionals calculated full physical, partial physical, indirect and direct verbal, modeling, gesturing, positional, image, video or audio prompt types when including prompts received. In addition, professionals counted all staff and/or caregiver presented opportunities as well as natural, routine, and scheduled. Natural opportunities had varying opportunities provided.

How Results are calculated

Results were collected in the form of opportunities to work on the skill with the number of successes performing the skill within the number of prompts received versus the prompting limits of the goal.

For example, if a goal read: “User will participate in social activities at least two times per month within 2 prompts 60% of the time,” then the percentage will be calculated as:

• Total number of opportunities to complete the goal (O) = 6
• Total number of successful (S) opportunities completed = 4
• Total number of prompts allowed (P) = 12 
• Total number of prompts received (PR) from staff or family = 14

Equation:

There are 2 results we are interested in. The first is whether the prompts are fading over time as the individual practices the skill using prompts received (PR) and successful opportunities (S). The second result we want to look at is the success rate, which uses all opportunities (O) and successful opportunities (S).

PR/S = Number of prompts to successful opportunities

S/O = Percentage of success rate 

Example Calculations:

If the individual had 14 prompts received and 4 successful opportunities out of a possible 12, we would do the following:

PR/S = 14/4 =  3.5

S/O = 4/12 = 0.333 or 33.3%

To download the Google Sheets Worksheet to calculate progress for your own clients, click on the button below.

NOTE: We are revising the Google Sheets Calculator after revising the equation above to support a more useful equation for progress. The new calculator will be available soon.