Parental Perception of Care for Infants with Fever During Hospitalization
Hayes, J.; Vepraskas, S.
Wmj Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin 119(4): 282-284
2020
ISSN/ISBN: 2379-3961 PMID: 33428841 Document Number: 581568
To assess parental perceptions regarding reason for and length of their infant's hospitalization and to understand family preferences for time of discharge. Participants included parents of infants who were noncomplex, well-appearing infants, aged 7 to 60 days, and evaluated for fever without a source. A 5-question structured interview was administered over a 6-month period. Parents understood that fever necessitated admission for further diagnostic evaluation and that admissions would be no more than 48 hours if bacterial cultures were negative. Over one-third of patients' families preferred overnight discharge. Parents recognize reasons for admission and the rationale for length of stay. Preferences for time of discharge can serve as a starting point for shared decision-making between parents and providers.