Behavioural Treatment of Challenging Behaviour: A Cost-benefit Analysis of a Service Delivery Model

Abstract

In 1990 a number of regionally based Behaviour Intervention Support Teams (BISTs) were established in Victoria to assist agencies providing support to persons with an intellectual disability who exhibited challenging behaviour. A primary function of the BISTs was to conduct intensive interventions for clients with severe challenging behaviours. A cost-benefit analysis of these interventions was carried out. It was found that the existence of a severe challenging behaviour resulted in an additional cost to the service system of an average $40,510 per annum. In contrast, the cost of a single intensive intervention conducted by a BIST was $5,725. Allowing for the fact that not all intensive interventions were successful, it was still concluded that the interventions conducted by the BISTs were cost efficient. Methodological difficulties associated with the cost-benefit analysis are discussed.

The wide‐scale implementation of a support program for parents of children with an intellectual disability and difficult behaviour

“…By contrast, Romeo, Knapp, and Scott (2006) have estimated that the treatment of severe anti-social behaviour of children in the UK incurred an annual cost of £5,960. Also, in an Australian study, Hudson, Jauernig, Wilken, and Radler (1995) estimated that the annual cost of supporting adults with an intellectual disability and severe challenging behaviour was about AU$40,000 per person. While it is acknowledged that not all preventative programs are successful, modest expenditure in this area can reap substantial future benefits for the community.…”

Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial of a Specialist Behavior Therapy Team for Challenging Behavior in Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

“…Only one uncontrolled study (28) has included a costbenefit analysis of a community-based behavior team. The authors reported that the average annual cost of an intensive intervention for challenging behavior was AUS$5,725, compared with a standard service cost of AUS$40,510 (1991-1992 costs).…”

Person Focused Training: a model for delivering positive behavioural supports to people with challenging behaviours

“…Specialists conduct the assessments and recommend interventions in situ in the natural environment. It has been shown that these teams can be effective (Hudson et al. 1995), and that reductions in challenging behaviours can be maintained or improved upon at 6‐month follow‐up.…”