A medication adherence-enhancing simulation intervention in pediatric cystic fibrosis

Adherence to chronic pulmonary drugs in cystic fibrosis (CF) is suboptimal. We studied the feasibility and effectiveness of a multistep medication adherence-enhancing simulation intervention for pediatric CF, which was embedded in motivational interviewing and education. Product simulation experiments were performed by the children themselves, and they addressed adherence to mucolytics/hydrators and antibiotics. Dornase alfa-treated patients aged 7-13 years were included. We invited each patient and their parents to attend an interview. PowerPoint slides were presented and discussed. The final slide invited the patient to perform the simulation experiments, and, in so doing, they experienced what happens when they either do or do not take their medication. An educational film was applied as a summary tool. A patient-centered empathic counseling style was used. Two months later, the child and their parents each completed a different anonymous questionnaire. Overall, 21 patients were included. Parents rated the means of communication and improvement in their child's motivation as very satisfactory. Children highly appreciated the experiments they performed. They often answered two questions on dornase alfa correctly and associated knowledge with adherence. Our results suggest that experiential simulation-based learning is extremely appropriate, and that this multistep intervention is feasible and effective in pediatric CF.