Behavioral Contracting to Improve Patients With Thalassemia

Twenty-three patients with thalassemia contracted to improve their adherence with subcutaneous desferrioxamine by increasing their number of days of use. Adherence, as measured by empty vial counts, was positively reinforced by careful monitoring and a behavioral reward system. Contingency contractingwas successful in 76% of patients over a 6-month period, with 69% maintaining improvement in adherence 2 months after the program. Findings supported the efficacy of behavioral intervention strategies in the care of patients with chronic illness. Copyright o 1993 by W.B. Saunders Company

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