Table 4 Distribution of codes in calls regarding seriously ill children (Group 3: hospitalized ≥24 h), stratified by varying DOW, n = 54. Values are given as percentages (%)
From: How parents express their worry in calls to a medical helpline: a mixed methods study
Themes, categories and codes related to content regarding worry | Low DOW | Medium DOW | High DOW |
|---|---|---|---|
Reason for worry | |||
Loss of control | |||
Deterioration or symptom changing | 5.3% | 42.1% | 52.6% |
New symptom occurred | 36.4% | 27.3% | 36.4% |
Rapid onset | 0% | 40% | 60% |
Treatment not working as expected | 20% | 30% | 50% |
Previous experiences | |||
Worried due to previous experiences | 0% | 0% | 100% |
Illness unlike previous experiences | 28.6% | 42.9% | 28.6% |
Chronic disease | 55.6% | 22.2% | 22.2% |
Illness manifestation | |||
Breathing difficulty | 0% | 28.6% | 71.4% |
High fever | 33.3% | 33.3% | 33.3% |
Intense stomach pain | 7.7% | 30.8% | 61.5% |
Young child | 0% | 40% | 60% |
Uncertainty | |||
I do not know what to do, I do not understand | 26.3% | 42.1% | 31.6% |
Recent healthcare contact | |||
Has been to the hospital | 20% | 20% | 60% |
Contact to GP/MH1813 | 12.5% | 18.8% | 68.8% |
Caller characteristics | |||
Caller is the mother | 20.6% | 41.2% | 38.2% |
Caller is the father | 12.5% | 37.5% | 50% |
Caller is a healthcare professional | 0% | 83.3% | 16.7% |
Caller belongs to minority group (potential language barrier) | 20% | 0% | 80% |
Regaining control | |||
Response to triage decision | |||
Reluctance to going to the hospital | 25% | 50% | 25% |
Caller still not in control | 50% | 0% | 50% |
Caller has regained control | 15.7% | 41.2% | 43.1% |