Behavior Analytic Support of Needle-related Hospital Visits for Autistic Patients

Launched by BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · Nov 27, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial aims to find out if a special type of therapy can help autistic patients feel more comfortable and behave better during medical procedures that involve needles, such as blood tests or vaccinations. The study will take place at Boston Medical Center and will focus on reducing challenging behaviors that some autistic patients may show when faced with these situations. Additionally, the researchers want to know if both patients and caregivers find the approach helpful and acceptable.

To participate, caregivers of autistic patients who have previously struggled with needle-related procedures at Boston Medical Center are eligible. Children aged 3 and older with a history of challenging behaviors during these types of medical visits may also join. Participants can expect to receive personalized support and treatment designed to help them manage their reactions to needle-related situations better. The study is not yet recruiting, so while it’s an exciting opportunity for those who qualify, interested families will need to wait until the trial begins.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Caregivers of autistic patients who have been historically engaged in challenging behaviors during needle-related procedures at a Boston Medical Center (BMC)
• • Established BMC autistic patients (ages 3+) who have a history of engaging in challenging behaviors in the presence of needle-related medical stimuli.
• • BMC Medical Providers (i.e., phlebotomists, medical doctors, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, registered dieticians, and medical assistants) who either: 1) order needle-related medical procedures for participants to be conducted during procedure visits and/or 2) are present to conduct the ordered procedure
• • English speaking participants
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who are unable to visit BMC a minimum of 2 times per month
• • No history of challenging behaviors in medical appointments involving the presentation of needle(s)
• • Patients and caregivers who do not speak English or are unable to utilize interpreter services to complete assessments and surveys