Goodness of Fit (GoF) Models for workforce devlopment in Challenging Behaviour Services:maximising 'Goodness of Fit'

Objectives At the end of the session participants will be able to: State what is meant by GoF in relation to PBS Identify relevant factors for GoF Explain barriers to GoF Explain the consequences of poor GoF Describe ways to achieve GoF State ways that stakeholders can be supported so that GoF is achieved

What is GoF? ‘Goodness of fit of a statistical model describes how well it fits a set of observations’ Wikipedia Thomas and Chess definition Applied a lot in Health and social situations -is an approach or intervention a good match for a particular situation or need?

What is GoF in the PBS context ‘Goodness of Fit refers to how matched the PBS plan is to the people and environments where it is being implemented’ Bro Morgannwg 2008 Also known as ‘contextual fit’ (Albin et at 1996)

Contextual Fit and PBS plans ‘Contextual fit refers to the congruence and compatibility that exists between specific features of a behavioral support plan and a variety of relevant variables relating to individuals and environments.’ Albin et al (1996)

What are the variables? Characteristics of person for whom the PBS plan is devised. Variables relating to persons implementing the plan. Features of environments and systems within which plan is to be implemented

Characteristics of focus person Functions of problem behaviours – agreement Does the plan incorporate the person’s existing strengths and capabilities? Does the plan address all areas of need?

Plan Implementers and Key Stakeholders Values of supporters Skills and knowledge of supporters Congruence of PBS plan goals with goals implementers Stressors of plan implementers

Environment and Systems (1) Physical layout Number of people in environment Routines and activities in environment Schedules of events and activities

Environments and Systems (2) Staff/family resources Training and support needs of plan implementers Administrative and structural support Equipment costs Organisational policies Plan initiation costs

Steps to ensuring ‘Goodness of Fit’ Comprehensive Functional Assessment Preliminary plan to identify potential interventions-specialist and ‘team’ Collaborative meeting to formulate PBS plan Implementation support Plan evaluation and follow up support

Good plans should ............ Be responsive to values and goals of plan mediators. Utilise the skills,knowledge and experience of mediators Be compatible with the typical routine and activities of all the focus person's environments

Poor GoF can lead to............. PBS plans being poorly or inconsistently Not being followed through over a length of time Plan not being used at all

What support do stakeholders/mediators need? Values training Training in Functional Analysis approaches and terminology Ongoing support from facilitator-long term focus Help with data collection/monitoring systems Managerial support-stressors/resources