PSYC Tech, Ltd. — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase I: 104

Description

Project Summary Abstract This Phase I SBIR proposes to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative computer based program for training therapists to administer Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for TicsCBITan empirically supported nonpharmacological intervention for children and adults with Chronic Tic DisordersCTDincluding Tourette DisorderCTD represents a class of neuropsychiatric disordersoccurring inof the population that can lead to significant impairments in physicalsocialacademicand interpersonal functioning and reduced quality of lifeThere is currently no cure for CTDhowever in large scale randomized controlled trialsCBIT has been shown to reduce tics without the adverse side effects associated with pharmacotherapyA therapist guidedempirically validated CBIT protocol is availablehowever the vast majority of individuals who desire CBIT do not have access to therapists trained in the delivery of this interventionGiven the need for nonpharmacological treatment options for individuals with CTDa desire for such treatments by potential end usersand the absence of practitioners adequately trained in the treatmentthere is a clear need for innovative modes of disseminationThe current proposal partners two of the primary developers of CBIT with PsycTecha company that specializes in developing effective computer based products for repetitive behavior disordersIn the proposed projectwe will use competency based training methods and an innovativecontextualized technology adaptation processCTAPto adapt CBIT into an innovative online training programa process that has been shown to increase satisfaction and adoption among stakeholdersIn additionto inform implementationwe will use an established conceptual model of evidence based practice implementation whereby we will engage multiple stakeholders early in the product development process in order to begin to identify provider level factorse gattitudesvaluesopennessand organizational level factorse gprioritiesvaluesstructural fitshown to influence adoption and implementation of adapted interventions in other health care models and settingsThe resulting productCBITTrainerwill be tested for feasibilityusabilityand end user satisfactionThis Phase I project will accomplish four aimsTo develop CBIT Trainer concept materials and program flow through an iterative end user feedback and development processTo develop working online prototypes to train two core CBIT therapeutic techniqueseducation training and HRTTo conduct usabilityacceptabilityand feasibility tests on the education and HRT CBIT Trainer prototypes using CBIT na ve therapistsandidentifyearly in the development processprovider and organizational factors that could impede adoption and implementation!