Use of the Theoretical Domains Framework to explore factors influencing paediatric fever management practices and antipyretic use in New Zealand emergency departments.

Aim: To explore factors influencing fever management practices and antipyretic use among New Zealand Emergency Department (ED) doctors and nurses using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses across 11 New Zealand EDs. The questionnaire examined eight of 12 TDF domains, based on a generic questionnaire validated to assess TDF-based determinants of health-care professional behaviour.

Paediatric fever management practices and antipyretic use among doctors and nurses in New Zealand emergency departments.

Objectives: To assess (i) paediatric fever management practices among New Zealand ED doctors and nurses, including adherence to best practice guidelines; and (ii) the acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of antipyretics for relief of discomfort in young children.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of doctors and nurses across 11 New Zealand EDs. The primary outcome of adherence to paediatric fever management best practice guidelines was assessed with clinical vignettes and defined as single antipyretic use for the relief of fever-related discomfort.