Experiences of financial incentives to improve medication adherence for children and young people with asthma: a qualitative study

Objective To explore experiences and perceptions of financial incentives from children and young people (CYP) involved in the ‘Financial Incentives to improve Asthma’ (FINA) study, and their parents. Design Qualitative study including focus groups with CYP and interviews with their parents, who had previously been involved in a financial incentives study to improve inhaler adherence (FINA study). Data were thematically analysed together using inductive and deductive approaches. Setting CYP who were enrolled in the FINA study were invited to a focus group and their parents to an interview during the 12-week follow-up period or at study completion. Focus groups were conducted virtually with intervention and control separately. Interviews were conducted virtually or in-person. Patients 17 out of the 32 CYP enrolled in the FINA study (aged between 11 and 17 years with asthma) agreed to take part in a focus group; 13 parents agreed to take part in an interview. Main outcome measures Experiences of the FINA study and perceptions of financial incentives. Results Four focus groups were conducted with CYP (n=17; age range 11–16 years); separate focus groups were conducted with intervention (n=11) and control (n=6) CYP. 13 interviews were conducted with parents (mothers, n=11). Six themes were identified: study programme design feedback, acceptability of financial incentives, financial incentive characteristics, digital intervention components, mechanisms of behaviour change and outcomes. Conclusions Perceptions of financial incentives were generally positive; however, given the mixed views in some aspects of financial incentive design, it may be challenging to identify those who may benefit. Trial registration number NCT05322044.