CHANEY ET AL. (2004) FUNHALER STUDY

CHANEY ET AL. (2004) FUNHALER STUDY

1. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT

   • From the behaviourist perspective, operant conditioning is a form of learning in which behaviour that brings about a rewarding response is likely to be repeated. Children who are asthmatic are often prescribed inhalers, but adherence rates to using them correctly with appropriate frequency are low - from 30% to 70%. The consequences of poor adherence are serious because irregular treatment and poor inhalation technique are linked to more hospitalisation. Improving adherence rates will improve outcomes for asthmatic children.

2. RESEARCH AIM AND QUESTION

   • Can behaviourist techniques, such as operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, be used to improve the treatment of children with asthma?

3. RESEARCH METHOD

   • A field experiment (carried out in participant homes) having a repeated measures design. The IV was whether the child used a standard inhaler or an inhaler with the Funhaler spacer device.

4. SAMPLE

   • A total of 32 children (10 male, 22 female, age range 1.5-6 years, mean age 3.2 years, average duration of asthma of 2.2 years) all of whom were prescribed drugs delivered by inhaler and a new spacer device were recruited into the study with informed consent. Matched questionnaires were completed with 27-32 valid responses to each pair of questions being collected after sequential use of the normal inhaler of the Funhaler for 2 weeks.

5. PROCEDURE

   • The standard inhaler and Funhaler devices were compared to ensure they delivered the same amount of the drug. The Funhaler has a whistle that sounds and a spinner/ball that rolls when the inhaler is used correctly. There 'toys' amuse the children and provide positive reinforcement to encourage the children to use the inhaler correctly and make using the inhaler a rewarding experience. The children use the standard inhaler for 2 weeks. The parents complete questionnaires. The children use the Funhaler for 2 weeks. The parents complete questionnaires.

6. RESULTS

   • 66% more children took the recommended dose of medication when using the Funhaler than when using the normal inhaler. Parents reported significantly more success at medicating their children (22/30 always successful) in comparison to using their existing spacer device (3/20). Using the Funhaler was associated with increased child and parent adherence to their recommended treatment plan.

7. CONCLUSION

   • Improved adherence to medical advice can be achieved if treatment provdes a rewarding experience for the children. The Funhaler may be a useful device in managing and treating young child asthmatics. Behaviourist techniques such as operant conditioning can be used as a way of improving treatment.