Medication adherence refers to the degree to which a person correctly follows medication instructions. It involves taking the correct dose of medication at the right time, following the prescribed frequency, and continuing the medication for the advised duration.
It’s critical for the effectiveness of treatment to ensure that the full benefits of the medication are realized. Poor medication adherence can lead to suboptimal health outcomes, increased risk of disease progression, higher healthcare costs, and, in some cases, serious health complications.
Medication adherence is not only applicable to adults but also to kids. However, discussing it with children requires a delicate balance. It’s crucial to simplify complex information without undermining its seriousness. The goal is to make them understand the why and how of taking their medication without causing confusion or fear. Here are some tips:
Start with “Why”
Children are naturally curious, so begin by explaining why they need to take their medication. Use simple language to describe how the medicine helps them feel better or keeps them healthy. You don’t have to dive into complex medical terminology, but focus on the basics.
For example, say, “This medicine is like a superhero fighting the germs that make you sick.” Making such explanations relevant to their understanding and interests helps children grasp the necessity of taking their medication as prescribed.
It’s also helpful to discuss the side effects or what could happen if they don’t take their medicine correctly. This doesn’t mean instilling fear but instead highlighting the importance of consistency.
For example, say, “If we don’t help the superhero (medicine) by taking it every day, the germs might win, and you could feel sick for longer.” This approach reinforces the concept of adherence without overwhelming them with negative consequences.
Create a Routine
Incorporating medication into a daily routine can significantly improve adherence. This makes it easier to remember and ties the act of taking medication to an established habit, reinforcing its importance.
For example, taking medication could be the last step before reading a bedtime story. This helps ensure that the medication isn’t forgotten amidst the evening activities. It also leverages the quiet, more controlled bedtime environment to ensure adherence.
Another example is integrating medication into after-school routines. Many children have a snack or a period of relaxation after coming home from school. Associating medication intake with this after-school snack or relaxation period can help create a consistent cue for taking medication.
To make this routine more effective, make use of visual aids. Consider using a medication calendar or chart where they can place stickers or mark off when they’ve taken their medicine. This gives them a visual representation of their progress and makes the task more interactive and rewarding.
Additionally, provide positive reinforcement, such as praise after a week of adherence, to motivate them to keep up with their medication schedule. For children, the prospect of receiving a reward or praise makes them feel good about their actions. It also reinforces the behavior you want to see, which, in this case, is taking their medication correctly and consistently.
Besides verbal praise, implementing positive reinforcement for medication adherence can be as simple as a sticker chart where they collect stickers for each day they take their medication or a small treat or privilege at the end of the week.
The key is to make the reward desirable enough to motivate them and directly linked to the specific behavior of taking their medication as prescribed.
Use Age-Appropriate Tools
The method of taking medication can sometimes be a barrier to adherence. For example, for younger children, swallowing pills may be difficult or intimidating. Hence, exploring alternatives with your healthcare provider, such as liquid formulations or dissolvable tablets, is necessary. Some pill-swallowing techniques and tools can also make the process easier, which you can demonstrate and practice together.
For older kids and teenagers, technology can be a helpful ally. Smartphone apps designed to remind and track medication intake can give them some independence in managing their medication. It’s a way to empower them and teach responsibility while still under your supervision.
Engaging them in the process and allowing them to take some control over their medication routine can enhance their commitment to adherence.
Educate on Self-Advocacy
As children grow, they should learn to understand their health and the role medication plays in it. Encourage them to ask questions during medical appointments and express concerns about their medication. Teaching kids to be advocates for their health instills confidence and ensures they understand the importance of medication adherence.
This also includes educating them on the safe use of medication, such as the dangers of sharing their medicine with others or taking more than the prescribed dose. Instilling these values early on can help prevent misuse and promote a healthy respect for medication and its purpose.
Final Thoughts
Teaching medication adherence to kids is a step-by-step process that requires patience, creativity, and consistency. Remember, the goal is to empower them with knowledge and skills to manage their health effectively. If unsure, help is always available.
Consider seeking advice from government online platforms, experienced individuals, and licensed professionals.
