Dr. Wildman and her students focus their research on adherence, both by pediatricians to best practices and adherence by parents and children to prescribed medical regimens. Our lab is especially interested in how pediatricians can communicate with their patients to improve (1) adherence to medical regimens and (2) improve identification and intervention for children with behavioral and emotional problems by primary care pediatricians. In addition, we are interested in the relationship between treatment responsibility (parent, adolescent) and adherence.

As part of our focus on treatment adherence, we have research projects which

• Examine the relationship between parent and provider perception of physician communication and adherence
• Examine the association between stress, treatment responsibility (e.g., parent or child) and adherence.
• Examine the association between specific aspects of physician communication and adherence.

We are collaborating with the medical teams in various services at a regional pediatric hospital. We work closely with the sickle cell program, developmental and behavioral pediatrics, and recently completed a project with the cystic fibrosis program. Our research is guided by applying theories of adoption of health behaviors and change to understanding pediatrician practice and parent and youth adherence.