Objective: This investigation aimed to explore the effectiveness of virtual handfeeding technique training on a novice speech-language pathologist (SLP). This investigation assessed a novice SLP’s independent use of different handfeeding techniques with a person with dementia (PWD) while also assessing resistive/agitated behaviors and percentage estimate of PO intake of the PWD. Method: This investigation utilized an alternating treatment design with one participant. All treatment sessions were conducted virtually. Following five baseline sessions, the participant participated in 12 20-30-minute virtual training sessions implementing either hand-under-hand (UH) or hand-over-hand (OH) feeding technique one-four times per week for four weeks. Treatments were randomized using a computerized system (random.org) with no more than two sessions of a single intervention. Analyses of the baseline phase to intervention phases showed a positive therapeutic direction for the independent use of handfeeding techniques of the participant. Implementation of trained handfeeding feeding techniques led to increased agitated/ resistive behaviors and also increased consumption of food/liquids in the PWD. Conclusions: Results from this investigation demonstrate that virtual handfeeding training of novice SLPs led to improvement in the use of handfeeding techniques during their treatment sessions. Future investigations should consider a larger sample size, access to training materials, and incorporate coaching about the appropriate use of techniques.
