Behavior modification in pediatric hemodialysis

This article reports the results of a behavior modification approach for managing disruptive and noncompliant behaviors in four male hemodialysis patients ranging in age from 10 to 16 years. Each patient demonstrated some improvement in either behavior or health status during the intervention and 76.7% of available token reinforcers were earned. The intervention was inexpensive and well-accepted by the patients, families, and staff. Guidelines for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of such interventions are presented.