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B5G: Enhancing Client Outcomes Through Universal Protocol: A System-Wide Rapport-Building Initiative

January 18, 2026 10:15am 11:30am Legacy South 2

Abstract“Research suggests building strong therapeutic relationships between care providers and the individuals they treat can lead to reduction in problem behavior and increased cooperation with demands. This relationship quality – often referred to as rapport – has an impact on every interaction and can influence client outcomes. At Acorn Health, we embarked on a mission to train every staff member who works directly with clients – over 1,000 BCBAs and R/BTs – on how to implement Universal Protocol, a standardized rapport building approach. Each business unit identified a UniPro Champ, someone designated to provide in-person training who was paired with a member of Acorn’s Clinical Leadership Team. Clinical Leaders provided training support, conducted integrity observations to ensure fidelity, and collected interobserver agreement to monitor data accuracy. The training consisted of a two-hour interactive presentation on Universal Protocol followed by in-person training and integrity observations. This approach was rolled out among Acorn’s 70+ business units in six, two-week training sprints. The data presented represents all Phase One participants, the number of training sessions conducted for each, the percentage of integrity observations conducted by the Clinical Lead, and the average integrity observation score across all training sessions.”
ObjectivesApply behavior analytic principles to evaluate and enhance therapeutic rapport-building strategies using standardized protocols (e.g., Universal Protocol) to increase client cooperation and reduce problem behavior.   Analyze systems-level training implementation strategies, including train-the-trainer models, treatment integrity checks, and interobserver agreement, to support scalable dissemination of behavior analytic practices across large organizations.   Design fidelity monitoring procedures that incorporate interobserver agreement and integrity scoring to ensure accurate implementation and data reliability in rapport-building interventions.

Behavior Evaluations

Speakers

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