Eefje G P M de Bont1, Kirsten K B Peetoom2, Albine Moser3, Nick A Francis4, Geert-Jan Dinant2, Jochen W L Cals2. 1. Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, eefje.debont@maastrichtuniversity.nl. 2. Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht. 3. Department of Family Medicine, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Faculty of Healthcare, Research Centre for Autonomy and Participation of Chronically Ill People, Centre of Expertise for Technology and Innovative Care, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, The Netherlands and. 4. Institute of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fever in children is common and mostly caused by self-limiting infections. However, parents of febrile children often consult in general practice, in particular during out-of-hours care. To improve management, it is important to understand experiences of GPs managing these consultations. OBJECTIVE: To describe GPs' experiences regarding management of childhood fever during out-of-hours care. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study using purposeful sampling, five focus group discussions were held among 37 GPs. Analysis was based on constant comparative technique using open and axial coding. RESULTS: Main categories were: (i) Workload and general experience; (ii) GPs' perceptions of determinants of consulting behaviour; (iii) Parents' expectations from the GP's point of view; (iv) Antibiotic prescribing decisions; (v) Uncertainty of GPs versus uncertainty of parents and (vi) Information exchange during the consultation. GPs felt management of childhood fever imposes a considerable workload. They perceived a mismatch between parental concerns and their own impression of illness severity, which combined with time-pressure can lead to frustration. Diagnostic uncertainty is driven by low incidences of serious infections and dealing with parental demand for antibiotics is still challenging. CONCLUSION: Children with a fever account for a high workload during out-of-hours GP care which provides a diagnostic challenge due to the low incidence of serious illnesses and lacking long-term relationship. This can lead to frustration and drives antibiotics prescription rates. Improving information exchange during consultations and in the general public to young parents, could help provide a safety net thereby enhancing self-management, reducing consultations and workload, and subsequent antibiotic prescriptions.
BACKGROUND:Fever in children is common and mostly caused by self-limiting infections. However, parents of febrile children often consult in general practice, in particular during out-of-hours care. To improve management, it is important to understand experiences of GPs managing these consultations. OBJECTIVE: To describe GPs' experiences regarding management of childhood fever during out-of-hours care. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study using purposeful sampling, five focus group discussions were held among 37 GPs. Analysis was based on constant comparative technique using open and axial coding. RESULTS: Main categories were: (i) Workload and general experience; (ii) GPs' perceptions of determinants of consulting behaviour; (iii) Parents' expectations from the GP's point of view; (iv) Antibiotic prescribing decisions; (v) Uncertainty of GPs versus uncertainty of parents and (vi) Information exchange during the consultation. GPs felt management of childhood fever imposes a considerable workload. They perceived a mismatch between parental concerns and their own impression of illness severity, which combined with time-pressure can lead to frustration. Diagnostic uncertainty is driven by low incidences of serious infections and dealing with parental demand for antibiotics is still challenging. CONCLUSION:Children with a fever account for a high workload during out-of-hours GP care which provides a diagnostic challenge due to the low incidence of serious illnesses and lacking long-term relationship. This can lead to frustration and drives antibiotics prescription rates. Improving information exchange during consultations and in the general public to young parents, could help provide a safety net thereby enhancing self-management, reducing consultations and workload, and subsequent antibiotic prescriptions.
Authors: Eefje G P M de Bont; Geert-Jan Dinant; Gijs Elshout; Gijs van Well; Nick A Francis; Bjorn Winkens; Jochen W L Cals Journal: Ann Fam Med Date: 2018-07 Impact factor: 5.166
Authors: Megan Rose Williams; Giles Greene; Gurudutt Naik; Kathryn Hughes; Christopher C Butler; Alastair D Hay Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2018-01-15 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Paula Gomes Alves; Gail Hayward; Geraldine Leydon; Rebecca Barnes; Catherine Woods; Joseph Webb; Matthew Booker; Helen Ireton; Sue Latter; Paul Little; Michael Moore; Clare-Louise Nicholls; Fiona Stevenson Journal: BJGP Open Date: 2021-06-30
Authors: Kirsten K B Peetoom; Luc J L Ploum; Jacqueline J M Smits; Nicky S J Halbach; Geert-Jan Dinant; Jochen W L Cals Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2016-07-08 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Eefje G P M de Bont; Geert-Jan Dinant; Gijs Elshout; Gijs van Well; Nick A Francis; Bjorn Winkens; Jochen W L Cals Journal: Trials Date: 2016-11-17 Impact factor: 2.279
Authors: Eefje G P M de Bont; Nicole Loonen; Dagmar A S Hendrix; Julie M M Lepot; Geert-Jan Dinant; Jochen W L Cals Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2015-10-07 Impact factor: 2.497