Parental use of a paediatric emergency department as an ambulatory care service

Objective: This qualitative study explored the parental attitudes, percepti ons and beliefs that play a role in the use of a tertiary paediatric emerge ncy department (PED) when a child has a non-urgent illness. Method: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews of 25 parents of children with non-urgent illnesses were conducted in the waiting room of a tertiary FED in Western Sydney in 1998. Inductive analysis was used to identify dominant themes. Results: Parents used their own system of triage to choose the appropriate service for their sick child. The perceived expertise of the tertiary FED, access and parental expectations all appeared to be major factors in parent al use of a FED. Conclusions: The parental choice to attend a FED is a dynamic, complex and unique process and the parental views that underpin this process often dive rge from those of health professionals about the most 'appropriate' use of a FED. Implications: A clearer understanding by health professionals of the factor s influencing parental choice will promote more effective collaboration wit h parents and ultimately assist in the decision on the best management opti on for sick children.