This comparison draws in part from “Innovative Solutions: Clinical Services” by Tiffany Mrla, PhD (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →One of the most consequential decisions a behavior analyst makes is not just what intervention to use, but how to approach the clinical question in the first place. For innovative solutions: clinical services, the difference between an evidence-based, individualized approach and a traditional, protocol-driven one can significantly impact outcomes.
This guide lays out the key factors side by side to support your clinical decision-making.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Performance feedback | OBM-informed: Frequent, specific, behavior-based feedback with direct observation | Traditional: Annual reviews with general ratings and limited direct observation |
| Problem analysis | OBM-informed: Systemic contingency analysis examining organizational variables | Traditional: Individual attribution, focusing on employee characteristics or effort |
| Training approach | OBM-informed: Competency-based with ongoing assessment and behavioral skill building | Traditional: Orientation-based with periodic in-service trainings |
| Quality measurement | OBM-informed: Direct measurement of clinical outcomes and treatment fidelity | Traditional: Process metrics like hours billed, documentation completion rates |
| Change management | OBM-informed: Systematic contingency analysis, planned implementation, and data-based monitoring | Traditional: Directive communication with limited systematic evaluation of effects |
| Leadership development | OBM-informed: Behavioral skills training with observation, practice, and feedback at all levels | Traditional: Promotion based on clinical skill with limited management training |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching innovative solutions: clinical services in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Innovative Solutions: Clinical Services — Tiffany Mrla · 0.5 BACB Ethics CEUs · $10
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
0.5 BACB Ethics CEUs · $10 · BehaviorLive
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Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.