Behavioral economics as a promising framework for promoting treatment adherence to pediatric regimens

Abstract

Objective: To summarize previous adult research on behavioral economics (BE) and consider the largely unexplored relevance of BE for promoting adherence to pediatric regimens across a wide variety of illnesses.

Methods: Literature review.

Results: Default bias, loss aversion, overestimation of rare events, and social norms are four BE concepts that have not been fully incorporated in adherence research for pediatric regimens yet offer promising opportunities for novel intervention development. The possible applications of these four strategies are offered in regards to asthma, cystic fibrosis, migraines, and diabetes, respectively.

Conclusions: BE offers pediatric psychology not only low-intensity approaches for promoting adherence but also highly attractive ways of obtaining the attention of health care administrators and policymakers.

Keywords: behavioral economics; default bias; loss aversion; lotteries; social norms.