Web-Based Knowledge Translation Tool About Pediatric Acute Gastroenteritis for Parents: Pilot Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Health Informatics
• Knowledge Translation

Background:

• Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a primary cause of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits.
• Viral infections are the main cause of pediatric AGE, manageable at home with proper hydration strategies.
• A web-based knowledge translation (KT) tool was developed to enhance parental understanding and decision-making for pediatric AGE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based KT tool for pediatric acute gastroenteritis (AGE).
• Assessed impact on parental knowledge, healthcare decision-making, resource utilization, and perceived value.
• Investigated usability and satisfaction with the KT tool compared to a control video.

Main Methods:

• Parents of children under 16 presenting with AGE symptoms were recruited from a pediatric ED.
• Participants were randomized to receive either the web-based KT tool or a sham video.
• Knowledge, decision regret, and healthcare use were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-14 days post-discharge.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly higher knowledge scores immediately post-intervention and at follow-up compared to the control group.
• Parents receiving the KT tool reported increased confidence in their knowledge.
• The web-based KT tool was rated higher for usability and satisfaction than the sham video.

Conclusions:

• The web-based KT tool effectively enhanced parental knowledge and confidence regarding pediatric AGE.
• Improved knowledge is a crucial step towards behavior change in managing childhood illnesses.
• Further research is recommended to explore optimal information delivery and influencing factors in parental health decision-making.