Abstract

This panel will explore the development of a clinical governance framework specifically designed for applied behaviour analysis (ABA) practitioners in Australia, addressing the need for high standards of quality, safety, and ethical practice. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the pillars of clinical governance and their application to ABA, with a focus on establishing standards for both clinical and business practices that are governed by the profession itself, rather than by insurance bodies.

With the input of Dr. Gina Green, key insights will be drawn from international examples of similar frameworks to illustrate best practices, lessons learned, and a path forward. These examples will be considered alongside models from related disciplines in Australia to provide valuable guidance for adapting similar frameworks for the Australian ABA practitioner. 

By attending this session, participants will be equipped to understand the importance of clinical governance, identify its key components, and apply insights from other successful frameworks. The panel will also prompt attendees to consider the next steps required for the development of such a framework, contributing to the future of ethical and effective clinical and business practices in ABA in Australia.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify and articulate the key pillars of clinical governance, detailing their significance in ensuring high standards of clinical and business practice.

2. Apply the principles of clinical governance rigorously to conduct a thorough assessment of current ABA practices, critically evaluating their adherence to quality, safety, and ethical standards.

3. Analyse and compare international models of clinical governance frameworks, alongside national models from related disciplines. Extract best practices and strategies for adapting and implementing a robust clinical governance framework tailored to the unique context of ABA in Australia.

Panellists: Niesha Illingworth¹, Meredith Harrison Brown¹, Gina Green, & Alayna Haberlin²

Moderator: Alex Brown²

¹Bright Eyes Early Intervention; ²Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia