Effect of an Intervention Combining the Use of Standardized Information and Sending an SMS Advice Message to Parents Calling the SAMU Center 15 for Uncomplicated Fever in Children
This study tested a new way to help parents manage children's fevers. When parents called the emergency service about a child aged 3 months to 10 years with a fever, they received standard advice over the phone and a text message afterwards. The goal was to see if this approach helped parents follow advice better, like giving paracetamol correctly and avoiding cold baths. Researchers wanted to know if it could reduce how often parents called emergency services again or visited the emergency room unnecessarily. The early results were promising: when parents read the text message, they followed advice more often, and there were fewer repeat emergency calls and emergency room visits. This suggests that a simple, affordable system using phone advice and text messages could significantly improve how children's fevers are managed and ease the pressure on emergency services.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking at a new way to help parents in the UK manage fever in their children. When a child has a fever, it can be worrying for parents, and sometimes they call emergency services or go to A&E when it might not be necessary. This research wants to see if giving parents clear, consistent advice over the phone, along with a helpful text message, can make a difference.
The main idea is that by providing good information directly to parents, they will feel more confident and know exactly what to do. This could mean they're better at things like giving the right medicine or knowing how to keep their child comfortable. The study is particularly interested in whether this approach reduces the number of parents who call emergency services again or feel they need to go to A&E immediately, even for a simple fever.
Ultimately, if this simple method works well, it could help many families by giving them the right support at home. It could also make a big difference to our emergency services, allowing them to focus on the most serious cases. The researchers believe this approach is quite affordable to put in place, meaning it could be a practical solution that benefits lots of people.
Key takeaways
- Simple phone advice plus a text message could help parents manage child fever.
- Aims to reduce repeat emergency calls and A&E visits for fever.
- Early results suggest parents followed advice better with text messages.
- Could help emergency services focus on more urgent cases.
- A low-cost approach that might benefit many families.
- No new treatments or hospital visits are involved.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, the child must be between 3 months and 10 years old and have a fever that started less than three days ago. The fever should be the child's only main symptom, meaning there are no other worrying signs like a very high temperature (41°C or more), being unconscious, having fits, difficulty breathing, a skin rash, or showing signs of being very dehydrated. These are signs that would need immediate emergency care.
Parents or guardians calling about the child must have legal parental authority and be part of a UK social security or similar welfare scheme. You wouldn't be able to join the study if your child has previously called emergency services for a fever within the last 15 days, or if they have a history of urine infections.
Also, if the emergency service worker decides your child definitely needs to go to a hospital or see a doctor immediately during the call, your child wouldn't be included in this specific study focusing on home management. Similarly, if you're calling from a landline or international number where text messages can't be sent, or if you can't read or understand English, you wouldn't be able to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child between 3 months and 10 years old?
- Does your child only have a fever, without other serious symptoms?
- Has your child's fever started in the last 3 days?
- Are you the child's parent or legal guardian?
- Can you receive and read text messages in English?
What does participation involve?
This study doesn't involve any hospital visits, special tests, or new medications for your child. Instead, it aims to understand how existing emergency call services can better support parents when their child has a fever. If you call the emergency number (like 111 or 999 where appropriate) about your child's fever, and they fit the study criteria, you might be part of the new system. This means you would receive standard advice during your call, and then a text message with additional tips afterwards. Researchers would then gather information on whether you followed the advice, if you called back, or if your child later visited an emergency room. Your participation would be limited to how you interact with the emergency services and how you manage your child at home following their advice.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CH Annecy GenevoisVerified postcodeAnnecy, France
Common questions
What is this study about?
It's testing if giving parents advice over the phone and a text message helps them manage children's fevers better and reduces unnecessary emergency calls.
Who can take part?
Parents of children aged 3 months to 10 years with a simple fever, who meet certain health and call criteria.
Do I have to do anything special if I join?
No, you just receive standard advice and a text message after calling emergency services about your child's fever.
Are there any risks?
No, it's very low risk as it only changes how information is given, not the treatment.
What happens if I don't want to be in the study?
You can withdraw at any time, and it won't affect the care you or your child receive.
How to find out more
Marion BEUCHER
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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