The effect of using an interactive booklet on childhood respiratory tract infections in consultations: Study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial in primary care
2008

Using an Interactive Booklet to Help Parents Manage Children's Respiratory Infections

Sample size: 600 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Francis Nick A, Hood Kerenza, Simpson Sharon, Wood Fiona, Nuttall Jacqueline, Butler Christopher C

Primary Institution: Cardiff University

Hypothesis

Can providing parents with an interactive booklet during consultations reduce re-consultation rates and antibiotic prescribing for childhood respiratory tract infections?

Conclusion

The study aims to evaluate whether an interactive booklet can effectively reduce re-consultations and antibiotic use without compromising parental satisfaction.

Supporting Evidence

  • Respiratory tract infections are the most common reason for primary care consultations in children.
  • Providing parents with written information may reduce re-consultation rates and unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
  • Educational interventions have previously shown effectiveness in reducing re-consultation rates.

Takeaway

This study is trying to see if giving parents a helpful booklet about their child's coughs and colds can stop them from going back to the doctor too often and using unnecessary antibiotics.

Methodology

A cluster randomised controlled trial where general practices will provide either an interactive booklet or usual care to parents of children with acute respiratory tract infections.

Potential Biases

Selection bias may occur if practices that agree to participate differ from those that do not.

Limitations

The study may face challenges in controlling the fidelity of the intervention delivery due to its pragmatic design.

Participant Demographics

Parents of children aged 0-14 presenting with acute respiratory tract infections.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2296-9-23

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