Neuropediatrics 2010; 41(3): 144-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1263156
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Does the Pediatricians’ Work Setting or Years of Experience Influence Febrile Seizure Education?

R. Sakai1 , 2 , A. Okumura3 , E. Marui2 , T. Shimizu3
  • 1Department of Medical Education, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
  • 2Department of Public Health, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
  • 3Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

received 28.06.2009

accepted 25.07.2010

Publication Date:
21 September 2010 (online)

Abstract

Introduction: A febrile seizure is a benign condition. However, for parents, witnessing their child's FS can cause excessive anxiety. It is therefore important for pediatricians to provide appropriate information in order to reduce anxiety. In this study, we analyze whether work setting and years of experience influence the explanations given to caregivers.

Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to members of the Japan Pediatric Society, Tokyo Chapter (n=1 870). The Mantel-Haenszel test was used for dichotomous variables. Differences for continuous variables were evaluated at 95% confidence intervals.

Results: A total of 482 pediatricians participated. There were no significant differences in responses to any questions according to work setting. Responders with less than 20 years of experience reported a higher prevalence of febrile seizures than those in the more experienced group. Compared to the experienced group, more responders with less than 20 years of experience stated that they would administer antiepileptic prophylaxis and advise parents not to use antipyretics, and indicated that they did not know the FS treatment guidelines.

Conclusion: The findings suggest the importance of promoting a better understanding of FS among less-experienced pediatricians and encouraging adherence to the guidelines to maintain a consistent level of support for parents and caregivers.

References

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Correspondence

Rie SakaiMD 

Department of Medical Education

Juntendo University

School of Medicine

2-1-1 Hongo

Bunkyo-ku

113-8421 Tokyo

Japan

Phone: +81/3/5802 1053

Fax: +81/3/5689 2635

Email: riesakai@med.juntendo.ac.jp

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