Evidence-Based Education to Improve Caregiver Knowledge of Fever Management in Young Children

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to present caregivers of children aged 6-36 months with evidence-based education in combination with a personalized fever handout to improve caregiver knowledge on fever and fever management. Background: Childhood fever is a common symptom seen in healthcare and a significant source of caregiver anxiety that leads to non-urgent office visits and unnecessary medication use. Most fever episodes in children can be managed at home, but lack of knowledge causes fever phobia and contributes to improper management. Providing evidence-based education on fever in the primary care setting before a fever occurs has been shown to positively affect caregiver knowledge and intent to manage fevers at home. Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project was a quantitative, quasi-experimental study that utilized a one-group pretest-posttest design. An education session and a fever handout were given to 10 caregivers of children ages 6-36 months at Sunshine Pediatrics in Phoenix, Arizona. The mean improvement between the pretest and posttest questionnaires was measured to assess for knowledge change and caregiver beliefs. Results: There was a statistically significant (p < 0.01) increase in caregiver knowledge and intent to manage fevers at home after the education session. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.01) decrease in caregiver fear of fevers after the education session. Participants indicated that the educational intervention was helpful, and they will not be afraid because they know what to do. Conclusions: The evidence-based fever educational intervention for caregivers at Sunshine Pediatrics effectively improved caregiver knowledge and confidence in managing fevers at home and decreased caregiver fear and anxiety.