Abstract
Background: Pediatric fever, though typically harmless and incredibly common, can cause substantial fear and anxiety for caregivers unfamiliar with how to manage or treat this condition at home. Studies evaluating pediatric emergency department (ED) rates have repeatedly found fever to be a leading reason for clinical evaluation. Local EDs record percentages as high as 40% of pediatric patients seek evaluation primarily for fever. Purpose: Provide educational resources for high-risk populations to reference at home regarding fever so that avoidable ED visits decreased and caregiver knowledge of fever improved. Methods: An educational program was implemented at a pediatric primary care clinic for patients aged six months to four years. This program consisted of the distribution of a health information book, addressing basic fever knowledge/management, along with a description of its use and contents. A fever survey was completed by each participant pre- and post- book reception. Results were then compared. Results: There was a 57% reduction in reported ED visits and a 65% increase in right answers after book education. In addition, there was a 77% increase in book referral by caregivers as a first line treatment for pediatric fever.
Date of publication
Spring 5-1-2020
Document Type
DNP Scholarly Project
Language
english
Persistent identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/2582
Committee members
Dr. Ellen Fineout-Overholt
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Recommended Citation
Shipley, Rebecca T., "Improving Caregiver Health Literacy of Pediatric Febrile Illness: A Patient Care Initiative" (2020). DNP Final Reports. Paper 11.
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/2582
Included in
Family Practice Nursing Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Pediatric Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons