Chaney Flashcards
What is operant conditioning?
Operant conditioning is a form of learning in which behaviour that brings about a reward is likely to be repeated.
What is the adherence rate for asthmatic children using inhalers?
The adherence rates for asthmatic children using inhalers are low, ranging from 30% to 70%.
What are the consequences of poor adherence to asthma treatment?
Poor adherence to asthma treatment is linked to more hospitalizations.
How can improving adherence rates affect asthmatic children?
Improving adherence rates will improve outcomes for asthmatic children.
What behavioral technique can be used to improve the treatment of children with asthma?
Operant conditioning
What is a method of behavioral therapy that involves rewarding desired behaviors?
Positive reinforcement
What is the aim of using behavioral techniques in the treatment of children with asthma?
To improve treatment outcomes
What type of experiment was conducted?
A field experiment in participant homes
What design was used in the experiment?
Repeated measures design
What is the independent variable (IV) in the study?
Whether the child used a standard inhaler or an inhaler with the funhaler spacer device
How many children were recruited into the study?
32 children
What was the gender distribution of the children in the study?
10 male and 22 female
What was the age range of the children in the study?
1.5 to 6 years
What was the mean age of the children in the study?
3.2 years
What was the average duration of asthma among the children in the study?
2.2 years
What type of devices were the children prescribed?
Drugs delivered by inhaler and a new spacer device
How many valid responses were collected for the matched questionnaires?
27-32 valid responses
For how long were the normal inhaler and the Funhaler used in the study?
2 weeks
What was compared in the study?
The standard inhaler and Funhaler devices were compared to ensure they delivered the same amount of the drug.
What features does the Funhaler have to encourage correct use?
The Funhaler has a whistle that sounds and a spinner/ball that rolls when the inhaler is used correctly.
How does the Funhaler provide positive reinforcement?
The toys on the Funhaler amuse the children and provide positive reinforcement to encourage correct use.
What was the first step in the procedure of the study?
The children used the standard inhaler for 2 weeks.
What did the parents do after the children used the standard inhaler?
The parents completed questionnaires.
What was the second inhaler used in the study?
The Funhaler.
What did the parents do after the children used the Funhaler?
The parents completed the questionnaires.
What percentage more children took the recommended dose of medication when using the Funhaler compared to the normal inhaler?
0.66
How many parents reported always being successful at medicating their children using the Funhaler?
22 out of 30
How many parents reported always being successful at medicating their children using their existing spacer device?
3 out of 30
What was the effect of using the Funhaler on child and parent adherence to the recommended treatment plan?
It was associated with increased adherence.
How can improved adherence to medical advice be achieved for children?
By providing a rewarding experience for the children.
What device may be useful in managing and treating young child asthmatics?
The Funhaler.
What behavioral technique can be used to improve treatment adherence?
Operant conditioning.
