Video and booklet discharge instructions for mothers for childhood fever in pediatric emergency department: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Due to lack of knowledge and misunderstanding, parents may mismanage a fever and seek unnecessary medical attention. Aim: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of video and booklet discharge instructions for childhood fever in the pediatric emergency department. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (NCT05929131) consisted of three groups: video (n = 48), booklet (n = 48), and verbal (n = 48) discharge instructions. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, Parent's Childhood Fever Management, Post-Discharge Coping Difficulties Scale for Parents, and Post-Discharge Information Form. Results: Within the first 3 days after receiving discharge instructions, parents in the video group had lower scores on the Parents' Fever Management Scale (video: 20.29 f 1.99, booklet: 20.65 f 2.07, verbal: 28.41 f 1.51; p < 0.05) and the Post-Discharge Coping Difficulties Scale for Parents (video: 39.44 f 3.91, verbal: 54.03 f 9.12; p = 0.019) compared to the verbal group. After discharge, the number of hospital readmissions was lower in the video group of parents compared to the verbal group (video: 1.12 f 0.44, verbal: 1.54 f 0.96, p = 0.015). Conclusion: Visual discharge instructions, such as booklets and videos to support discharge instructions, have been shown to be effective in improving mothers' fever management skills and reducing their return to the emergency department.