The Effectiveness of Technology-Delivered Conjoint Behavioral Consultation: Addressing Rural Student and Family Needs

Conjoint Behavioral Consultation (CBC) is an indirect intervention delivered by a consultant, wherein parents and teachers engage in collaborative problem-solving. This small-n study investigated the effects of remote videoconference delivery of CBC (Tele-CBC) in a rural region. The effectiveness of Tele-CBC was tested using a concurrent multiple baseline across participants design replicated across three participants in a staggered fashion. In addition to assessments of student outcomes, the acceptability of Tele-CBC and perceived effectiveness of the Tele-CBC consultant were evaluated. Results indicated the majority of students whose parents and teachers participated in Tele-CBC demonstrated a decrease in off-task behaviors at school and problem behaviors at home after a collaborative intervention plan was implemented. Parents and teachers rated Tele-CBC as highly acceptable and the Tele-CBC consultant as highly effective. This study indicates Tele-CBC offers promise as an intervention to increase access to consultation in underserved rural communities.