A study of parent/grandparent education for managing a febrile illness using the CALM approach

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of fever management education in increasing knowledge, confidence, comfort, and satisfaction of the parent/grandparent.

A randomized repeated measures design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational brochure and video. After baseline data were collected on parent/grandparents of children receiving standard care, each site was randomized into two groups: Group 1 parents were given a video and brochure about fever management as they left the clinic/office; Group 2 were shown the video and given the brochure before seeing their health care provider. The parent/grandparents of 216 children, mean age 21.8 months, completed the Fever Management Questionnaire (FMQ) at 48-72 hours, 1, 3, and 6 months post-education.

Knowledge scores of parents/grandparents in both CALM groups were significantly higher than those in the control group at 48 hours and 1-month post-visit. By 6 months, the knowledge level of the parent/grandparents in CALM2, those who viewed the video in the office, was significantly different from the other two groups. Satisfaction, comfort, and confidence of all three groups were high at all three points. Parents/grandparents in both CALM groups were highly satisfied with the education they received.

Educating parent/grandparents about fever management using written and video materials is effective in increasing knowledge about fever management.