Chapter 31: Applying Behavior Change Science
Sebastian G. Kaplan, PhD, Robert P. Schwartz, MD, 2016. "Applying Behavior Change Science", American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care, Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, Henry M. Adam, MD, FAAP, Deborah E. Campbell, MD, FAAP, Thomas G. DeWitt, MD, FAAP, Jane Meschan Foy, MD, FAAP, Deepak M. Kamat, MD, PhD, FAAP, Rebecca Baum, MD, FAAP, Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH, FAAP
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Diseases cannot be managed with medication alone. In many instances, prognosis depends largely on whether the patient’s caregivers adopt health behavior changes designed to prevent or effectively treat the child’s condition.
As a result, effective communication is a crucial skill for any physician. Often the behavioral component of treatment is a complex set of lifestyle changes, such as new exercise regimens, adoption of behavior management strategies by parents, or frequent finger sticks to assess blood glucose levels. However, even when treating seemingly routine ailments, such as group A streptococcal pharyngitis, the pediatrician engages in communication about patient and caregiver behavior,...