CreateAbility has been utilizing avatar led communications for several years now and the data that has emerged from our clients has proven that it can be helpful to both the care provider and the person being served, alike.
Here are a few of the top reasons avatar-led communications are yielding successful results within the IDD population:
It increases data integrity.
When engaging in an in-person survey, the people taking the assessment tend to “filter” their answers to please (or not upset) the survey administrator. In written surveys, the survey recipient may become overwhelmed, challenged, or bored with the test-taking process and answer hastily in order to finish.
Avatar-led assessments provide a neutral environment for people to focus on the question at hand and answer in an honest manner without any hesitations or fears. Also, studies have shown that self-reported daily data is more reliable because there is less reliance on the memory of the person served.
It increases data collection consistency and efficacy.
Assessments/surveys are administered in the same methodology each-and-every time they are given. There are no changes in tone or inflection therefore, providing a less leading and more unbiased method for disseminating critical questions to the people you serve.
This translates to more accurate results that opens the door for higher quality person-centered care planning, as well as better organizational management.
It’s less intrusive to the person being served.
When the person being served is trying to achieve more independence, another check-in or questionnaire might become both taxing and intrusive into their daily lives.
Avatar-led assessments can simply “pop up” during the course of their day or week – and not feel less like supervision or a chore.
Its customization features make it more accessible to a wider audience.
For those who tend to get agitated with certain conditions or people, avatar-led assessments allow for the person being served to voice their opinion on when they prefer to take their survey as well as who administers it. Having the ability to customize their avatar lessens their agitation with the survey and increases their engagement. For those who have autism, avatars are available that do not make eye contact with the test-taker and as the avatar speaks the survey and answer options, they can also be a great option for those who struggle with reading or have vision challenges.
While real people cannot be replaced by technology in the overall care of people with intellectual developmental disabilities, you can most certainly bring in artificial intelligence to bridge gaps in the care/safety plans of the individuals served.
Learn more about the wide range of avatar-led assessments available to your organization here.
