Chaney (2004)

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

Operant conditioning: is a form of associative learning, whereby associations and connections are formed between stimuli and responses that didn’t exist before learning occurs.

Question 2

Sample

Answer 2

32 children aged 1.5-6 years (avg. 3.2 years) with athsma.

Recruited from clinics across a large area.

Question 3

Aim

Answer 3

To test whether through positive reinforcement of the Funhaler, children adherence would improve compared to using other devices.

Question 4

Findings

Answer 4

There was increased parental and child compliance, for example the results show that: 22% more parents were found to have medicated their child on the previous day compared to the standard inhaler.

In addition to this fact, 30% more children took the cycles required than in the case of the standard inhaler.

Finally, 58% more children enjoyed taking their medication using the Funhaler.

Question 5

What was the funhaler

Answer 5

The funhaler incorporated a standard inhaler with an attachment that included toys e.g. a spinning disk and whistle. If the device was used correctly a noise/spinning would occur, distracting the children from the drug delivery itself and to act as a reward for attaining the deep breathing patterns required.

Question 6

Procedure

Answer 6

Participants then were asked to use a Funhaler instead of their normal inhaler to administer medication to the children. They were only told parental guidance was required - no other instructions.

After the allocated time for using the funhaler had passed, parents completed a matched item questionnaire. Researchers also conducted one random check via telephone checking on usage of the funhaler on the day prior.