Incentives - small rewards given to patients either to encourage them to take their medication or entice them to maintain regular clinic/MD visits.
Incentives must be tailored to the patients special needs or interest.
Incentives are given to motivate patients to carry out the activities necessary for treatment.
Health care workers frequently disagree on the appropriateness of incentives; attitudes either detract from the effectiveness, and therefore, need to be explored and discussed.
Incentives should be offered according to an established policy.
Incentives should be given at intervals that are meaningful to the patient.
Examples of incentives include:
Gift certificate to food stores.
Food available at clinic.
Toys for children donated by toy store.
Dietary supplement.
Clothing
Personal care items.
School supplies.
Holiday dinners.
