Treatment of noncompliance with eye examination procedures in pediatric primary care.

Abstract

Noncompliance and associated behavior problems during medical procedures can result in increased risk of harm for patients and providers and decreased implementation of preventative care. We evaluated the treatment of noncompliance during analogue eye examination procedures within a pediatric primary care clinic with a 9-year-old typically developing male. The treatment included coping skill instruction, education, and graduated exposures. The treatment was delivered in four outpatient sessions, led to increased compliance with the targeted procedures, and was rated as acceptable to the family and patient.

A Scoping Review of the Healthcare and Hygiene Literature for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

“…Additionally, other related skills may be evaluated and taught as coping strategies (i.e., deep breaths, squeezing a stress ball, closing eyes, counting) when teaching the participants to engage in passive compliance. It would be helpful if future research in this area also included measures of phobic responses, through heart rate or a tool such as SUDS (Kupzyk et al, 2021 ). These could provide additional data to guide treatment.…”

“…Some of the literature has also evaluated additional strategies or treatment components when intervening on phobic responses to healthcare and hygiene routines. For example, Kupzyk et al ( 2021 ) incorporated coping skill instruction into a treatment package to promote cooperation with eye exams with one neurotypical participant. Behavior change was measured using the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS), the percentage of exam steps completed, distress behavior, and coping behaviors.…”

Navigating early childhood caries management in children with autism and developmental disorders: A U.S. perspective

“…Strong flavors, textures, and sensations associated with toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental instruments may be aversive and trigger negative reactions, leading to resistance or avoidance of oral hygiene routines. Noncompliance, resistance, and aversion to oral hygiene practices are common among children with autism and developmental disorders, posing challenges for caregivers and dental professionals in promoting and maintaining good oral hygiene habits (Kupzyk et al, 2023). Strategies such as visual schedules, social stories, and positive reinforcement techniques may be helpful in facilitating cooperation and compliance during oral care routines.…”