Chaney

Background

Adherence rates to asthma medication regime are poor in children, Positive reinforcement could help to increase adherence.

Research method

Field experiment

Design

Repeated measures

Sampling technique

Random from various clinics in Australia

Sample males

22

Sample females

10

Condition 1

Standard inhaler

Data collected by phone interview

Had the inhaler been used the previous day

Condition 2

Funhaler

Data collected by questionnaire

Parents view of child attitudes, how often they were successful, how many times they gave recommended 4 breaths etc

Result - how often were they always successful?

3/30 (10%) standard, 22/30 (73%) funhaler

Result - phone survey. Child medicated previous day?

16/27 (59%) standard, 22/27 (81%) funhaler

Result - recommended 4 or more cycles (deep breaths)?

15/30 (50%) standard, 24/30 (80%) funhaler

How many weeks did they use funhaler for?

2

Operant conditioning

Learning theory by Skinner

Positive reinforcement definition

If the consequences of a behaviour are positive it is more likely to be repeated

Incentive module

Chamber with whistle and spinner

Conclusion

Improved adherence, combined with satisfactory delivery characteristics, suggest that the Funhaler may be useful for management of young asthmatics.

Adherence

Following medical advice