The Effects of In-Service Training on Staff Token System Usage

Abstract

The problem. To assess the usefullness of a concentrated in-service training packet for staff. Focus was on the quality of token presentation and social interaction with residents of a residential psychiatric facility. Procedures. A one hour in-service was presented using a multiple baseline design across eight nurses from two different shifts. The in-service presented training to help increase nurse's token presentation and appropriate social interaction with residents. Observations were conducted during medication times at one of two nurses stations each targeted shift. Findings. Appropriate social interaction and token presentation from nurse to resident during medication presentation increased significantly for each nurse. Large increases across shifts were obtained also, having the A.M. shift increase from 1% to 84% appropriate social interactions and 40% to 99% correct token presentations, while the P.M, shift went from 2% to 78% and 39% to 99% respectively. Conclusions. In-service training focussed on specific behavior change increased token presentations and appropriate social interactions in a given setting. A one week follow-up showed maintenance of the behavior change data obtained in the study. Recommendations. Development of a facility wide staff training packet to help increase overall token usage and apgroprrate social interactions. Assessment of the reciprocal results could then be made.