The Use of Behavioural Techniques to Improve Medical Adherence in Children

Adherence to medical treatment is crucial for managing chronic illnesses effectively, particularly in young children who rely heavily on their caregivers for medication administration. However, achieving optimal adherence can be challenging due to factors such as forgetfulness, resistance to treatment, and a lack of understanding about the importance of medication. This essay will discuss the effectiveness of behavioural techniques in improving medication adherence among children, using the Funhaler as a case study.

Behavioural techniques, rooted in the principles of operant conditioning, utilize reinforcement strategies to encourage desired behaviours. The Funhaler, a novel asthma inhaler, incorporates positive reinforcement by integrating a spinning disc and a whistle that are activated upon correct inhalation. This design aims to transform the often-dreaded experience of taking medication into a more engaging and rewarding activity for children.

A study by Watt et al. (2003) investigated the efficacy of the Funhaler in improving adherence to asthma medication among 32 Australian children aged 1.5 to 6 years. The researchers employed a within-subjects design, with each child using both the Funhaler and the standard Breath-a-Tech inhaler for sequential weeks. This design helped to control for individual differences in adherence levels. The study found a significant improvement in adherence when children used the Funhaler. Specifically, parental reports indicated that 38% more children received their medication the previous day when using the Funhaler compared to the Breath-a-Tech. Additionally, 60% more children adhered to the recommended dosage of four or more cycles of drug delivery with the Funhaler.

These findings suggest that incorporating positive reinforcement, as exemplified by the Funhaler's design, can effectively enhance medication adherence in children. The immediate rewards associated with correct inhaler use likely make the process more enjoyable for children, thereby increasing their willingness to participate in their treatment. Furthermore, the increased parental involvement in motivating their children to use the Funhaler might have contributed to the observed improvement in adherence.

While the study by Watt et al. (2003) provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of the Funhaler, it is important to acknowledge its limitations. The relatively small sample size and the specific age range of the participants limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations. Future research could explore the long-term effectiveness of the Funhaler and investigate its applicability to other chronic illnesses requiring regular medication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study by Watt et al. (2003) highlights the potential of behavioural techniques, such as positive reinforcement, in improving medication adherence among children. The Funhaler, with its innovative design, demonstrates how making medication administration more engaging and rewarding can lead to positive health outcomes. While further research is needed to explore its long-term effects and generalizability, the Funhaler offers a promising solution to the pervasive challenge of medication non-adherence in children.

**Reference:** Watt, H., Stewart, A., & Spicer, D. (2003). Funhaler versus Breath-a-Tech: A randomized controlled trial to evaluate adherence to prescribed bronchodilator in preschool children. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 39(8), 578-582.