Elizabeth Morris1, Margaret Glogowska2, Fatene Abakar Ismail3, George Edwards2, Susannah Fleming2, Kay Wang2, Jan Y Verbakel2,4, Ann Van den Bruel4, Gail Hayward2. 1. Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, UK. Elizabeth.morris@phc.ox.ac.uk. 2. Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, UK. 3. Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, 18 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, G31 2ER, UK. 4. Academic Centre for Primary Care, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 J, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nearly 40% of parents with children aged 6 to 17 months consult a healthcare professional when their child has a high temperature. Clinical guidelines recommend temperature measurement in these children, but little is known about parents' experiences of and beliefs about temperature measurement. This study aimed to explore parents' concerns and beliefs about temperature measurement in children. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted from May 2017 to June 2018 with 21 parents of children aged 4 months to 5.5 years, who were purposively sampled from the METRIC study (a method comparison study comparing non-contact infrared thermometers to axillary and tympanic thermometers in acutely ill children). Data analysis followed a thematic approach. RESULTS: Parents described the importance of being able to detect fever, in particular high fevers, and how this then influenced their actions. The concept of "accuracy" was valued by parents but the aspects of performance which were felt to reflect accuracy varied. Parents used numerical values of temperature in four main ways: determining precision of the thermometer on repeat measures, detecting a "bad" fever, as an indication to administer antipyretics, or monitoring response to treatment. Family and social networks, the internet, and medical professionals and resources, were all key sources of advice for parents regarding fever, and guiding thermometer choice. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature measurement in children has diagnostic value but can either empower, or cause anxiety and practical challenges for parents. This represents an opportunity for both improved communication between parents and healthcare professionals, and technological development, to support parents to manage febrile illness with greater confidence in the home.
BACKGROUND: Nearly 40% of parents with children aged 6 to 17 months consult a healthcare professional when their child has a high temperature. Clinical guidelines recommend temperature measurement in these children, but little is known about parents' experiences of and beliefs about temperature measurement. This study aimed to explore parents' concerns and beliefs about temperature measurement in children. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted from May 2017 to June 2018 with 21 parents of children aged 4 months to 5.5 years, who were purposively sampled from the METRIC study (a method comparison study comparing non-contact infrared thermometers to axillary and tympanic thermometers in acutely ill children). Data analysis followed a thematic approach. RESULTS: Parents described the importance of being able to detect fever, in particular high fevers, and how this then influenced their actions. The concept of "accuracy" was valued by parents but the aspects of performance which were felt to reflect accuracy varied. Parents used numerical values of temperature in four main ways: determining precision of the thermometer on repeat measures, detecting a "bad" fever, as an indication to administer antipyretics, or monitoring response to treatment. Family and social networks, the internet, and medical professionals and resources, were all key sources of advice for parents regarding fever, and guiding thermometer choice. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature measurement in children has diagnostic value but can either empower, or cause anxiety and practical challenges for parents. This represents an opportunity for both improved communication between parents and healthcare professionals, and technological development, to support parents to manage febrile illness with greater confidence in the home.
Entities:
Keywords:
Child; Fever; Primary health care; Qualitative research; Thermometers
Authors: Eefje G P M de Bont; Kirsten K B Peetoom; Albine Moser; Nick A Francis; Geert-Jan Dinant; Jochen W L Cals Journal: Fam Pract Date: 2015-04-25 Impact factor: 2.267
Authors: Gail Hayward; Jan Y Verbakel; Fatene Abakar Ismail; George Edwards; Kay Wang; Susannah Fleming; Gea A Holtman; Margaret Glogowska; Elizabeth Morris; Kathryn Curtis; Ann van den Bruel Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2020-03-26 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Maria Kelly; Laura J Sahm; Frances Shiely; Ronan O'Sullivan; Eefje G de Bont; Aoife Mc Gillicuddy; Roisin Herlihy; Darren Dahly; Suzanne McCarthy Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2017-07-09 Impact factor: 2.692