Physicians' attitudes toward the diagnosis and management of fever in children 3 months to 2 years of age.
Ninety-seven primary-care physicians, including 73 family physicians and 24 pediatricians, were surveyed in order to ascertain their knowledge and attitudes regarding fever in children 3 months to 2 years of age. A rectal temperature between 37.0 degrees C and 37.9 degrees C was considered to indicate fever by 35% of physicians. Only 17% believed there was no danger from fever, while 12% believed that fever could cause brain damage. Seizures were considered a principal danger of fever by 49% of physicians, and 22% believed that brain damage could result from typical febrile seizures. While 70% chose relief of discomfort as the main purpose of antipyretic treatment, 30% would use temperature alone as an indication for antipyretics. It is concluded that although many physicians have an acceptable attitude toward the diagnosis and management of fever, a significant number still have exaggerated concerns.
Ipp
M
M
Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Jaffe
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001831:Body Temperature; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D005334:Fever / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017533:Marital Status; D010290:Parents; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires