Effects of Multimodal Fever Education on Parents of Febrile Children

Author

Teresa S. Parkhouse, Valparaiso University

Date of Award

5-5-2015

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Christina Cavinder

Abstract

Insufficient knowledge regarding the physiology and appropriate management of fever in children often contributes to an increased parental anxiety, inappropriate antipyretic use, and overutilization of medical resources (Chang, Liu, & Huang, 2013; Crocetti, Moghbeli, & Serwint, 2001; Schmitt, 1980). Parental concerns regarding childhood fever can lead to an overuse of health care resources as febrile illness in children accounts for approximately 20% of emergency department visits, 30% of office visits, and over 50% of after-hour phone calls to private physicians (Zomorrodi & Attia, 2008). Research shows that multidimensional educational interventions are most effective in improving parental management of fever (Young et al, 2010). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to provide multimodal fever education to parents of febrile children and examine the effects on parental knowledge, self-efficacy, anxiety, satisfaction, and health service utilization. The best practice recommendation includes a combination of written, verbal, and multimedia educational methods in close proximity to the time of the fever. The proposed intervention consisted of a three-minute educational video and a pamphlet on childhood fever including appropriate management developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2007). The intervention group participated in the parent fever education program and the control group received standard care consisting of brief verbal discussion of fever and appropriate caregiver management. Data were collected and analyzed comparing outcome measurements of knowledge, self-efficacy, anxiety, and satisfaction from both groups using the Pearson Chi square test measurement. A statistically significant difference was found in comparing participants’ knowledge regarding harmful effects of fever (p = 0.020) and satisfaction of the education provided (p = 0.023). Additional studies evaluating effectiveness of multimodal fever education are necessary for further identification of the best methods to impact outcomes such as knowledge, self-efficacy, anxiety, and satisfaction.

Recommended Citation

Parkhouse, Teresa S., "Effects of Multimodal Fever Education on Parents of Febrile Children" (2015). Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports. 71.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/ebpr/71