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Effects Of Multimodal Fever Education On Parents Of Febrile Children, Teresa S. Parkhouse

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

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 …