Indirect Modification of Patient Behavior with Instructions, Bonus Contingencies, and Training Programs Applied to Nursing Aides

Abstract

In an effort to indirectly develop appropriate behavior in two psychotic patients, several procedures were used to modify the behavior in two nursing aides. Following an initial baseline period, a series of conditions was imposed on the aides involving: instructions, monetary bonus, and behavior change programs. During baseline, interactions between each aide and the patient subsequently assigned to him virtually were nonexistent. Instructions produced slight temporary changes in aide behavior, but there were no changes in patient behavior. The instructions plus bonus contingency produced an increase in aide-patient interactions and a clear change in the behavior of one patient. When aide training in the implementation of written behavior change programs was added to instructions and bonus contingency for the first patient behavior, abrupt changes in aide and patient behaviors were observed in both dyads. Subsequently, these results were replicated successfully with the second patient behavior, which increased for the first time for both patients.