An application of the behavior conditioning model to the case study of a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities: A health care perspective

Individuals with the chromosomal disorder of Down syndrome (DS) experience a higher risk and incidence of serious health issues. With an increasing life span, individuals with DS are managing mounting issues related to a variety of serious medical conditions and functional limitations that ensue. This research emerged from a foundational study that explored the residential community's perceptions of residents and families served, using a Behavior Conditioning Model (BCM) (Hart, 2013) in interviewing leaders, supportive staff, residents, and legal guardians of residents. The model emerged from a series of literature analyses conducted to understand the complex variables and interrelatedness of behavior theories, models and construct domains used to explain patterns of human behavior. A specific area of the larger study was carved out to highlight the health perspective of the clinical staff using the BCM. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinical staff (N=3) at a residential community for individuals with developmental disabilities (primarily DS) regarding the organizational structure, service delivery processes, and support expectations. Data were coded analyzed with the help of NVivo 10. Preliminary findings showed that an adaptation of the BCM helped explain the clinical perspective of the community's care and support structure. Clinical staff was committed to improving organizational structures, service delivery processes and support expectations. Increased attention is needed to translate medical and social issues to practical solutions through 1) future research on the BCM constructs, 2) increased staff training and process development, particularly regarding self-determination for all individuals.