Parent decision-making regarding fever and unscheduled care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring parent decision-making in responding to fever and seeking unscheduled care for children age 0-5 years
IRAS ID
190483
Contact name
Cecilia Hunt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London North West Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The rate of unscheduled care for infants and young children continues to increase annually, with many Accident and Emergency department (A and E) attendances being deemed unnecessary or avoidable. Fever has long been recognised as a leading cause of paediatric attendances at A and E, yet it is often a symptom of self-limiting illness. Parent perception of fever severity tends to be greater than professional perception, with anxiety contributing to an excessive demand for services. Parents report their decision-making to be influenced by a range of formal and informal sources of information, with prior knowledge and experience, anxiety and uncertainty shaping their help-seeking behaviour. Rates of hospital attendance and admission are also influenced by socio-cultural factors, with those from ethnic minorities and living in deprived populations more likely to attend. Better understanding of the decision-making process that parents undertake when managing their children’s fever is warranted in order for services to better support parents to make the best care decisions.
This qualitative study aims to explore the choices and decisions that parents make when managing minor illness such as fever and choosing care settings, and the role of resources in shaping this process.
Data will be collected through the use of focus groups using participants who are parents of children aged 0-5, residing in Brent, Ealing and Harrow (as the Boroughs covered by LNWH NHS Trust). Socio-cultural influences will be explored through engaging with ethnic groups identified as likely to attend Northwick Park Hospital A and E, thereby developing understanding of local needs.
The study will then be extended to include parents residing within the remit of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust who have accessed St Mary's Hospital, to ensure a range of local populations are included.
The term parent is used broadly throughout to refer to all main carers.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0223
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion