Abstract
Child noncompliance with prescribed medical regimens, including nonacceptance of oral medication, frequently impedes medical treatment and achievement of clinical aims. During this study, we used a single-subject experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of a capsule-swallowing training curriculum specifically developed to promote acceptance of oral medication by multihandicapped children. Four such children participated, each diagnosed with a chronic pediatric illness requiring daily intake of oral medication. Training consisted of verbal instruction, demonstration, reinforcement for swallowing candies/capsules progressively larger in size, ignoring mild inappropriate behavior, and gradually providing less guidance and structure. In each case, the curriculum produced routine independent swallowing of prescribed capsules/tablets. Follow-up assessments, coupled with parent satisfaction ratings, suggest that skill acquisition was both enduring and clinically significant. This study validates a brief, readily exportable, and effective approach to teaching handicapped children to swallow capsules.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 229-235 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 1991 |
Keywords
- behavior management of oral medication administration
- capsule/pill training
- child compliance with medication regimens
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health