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BackgroundChildren’s views of health were explored in order to develop a health dialogue tool for children.MethodsA qualitative research design was used as part of a codesign process. Based on semi-structured interviews with both healthy children and children with a chronic condition (aged 8–18). Two approaches were applied. The first was an open exploration of children’s views on health, which was then thematically analysed. Subsequently, a framework was used, based on the six-dimensional My Positive Health (MPH) dialogue tool for adults, to guide the second part of the interviews, focusing on reviewing the children’s view on health within the context of the framework. For the final draft of the dialogue tool, a framework analysis was conducted and then validated by members of the ‘children’s council’ of the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital.ResultsWe interviewed 65 children, 45 of whom had a chronic condition and 20 were healthy. The children described a broad concept of health with the central themes of ‘feeling good about yourself’ and ‘being able to participate’. Based on the subsequent framework analysis, the wording of two of the six dimensions of the MPH dialogue tool was adjusted and the related aspects were adapted for better alignment with the children’s concept of health. After these modifications, the tool fully matched the children’s concept of health.ConclusionThe MPH dialogue tool for children was developed for children with and without a chronic condition, to help them open up about what they consider important for their health and well-being, and to improve directorship over decisions and actions that would affect their health. The MPH dialogue tool aims to support healthcare professionals in providing the type of care and treatment that is in line with the needs of their young patients/clients.

ObjectivesFirst, to explore parents’ views on and experiences of managing their febrile child and to assess their behaviour and needs when in search of information about fever; second, to develop and evaluate a hospital discharge information package about fever in children.DesignMixed methods: (A) qualitative study with semistructured interviews and a focus group discussion (FGD) and (B) quantitative survey.SettingEmergency department, non-acute hospital setting and day nursery in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.ParticipantsParents of children InterventionInformation package about fever in children (leaflet and website including videos).Outcome measures quantitative surveyKnowledge of fever and confidence in caring for a febrile child (Likert scale 0–5).ResultsParents found fever mostly alarming, especially high fever. Help-seeking behaviour was based on either specific symptoms or on an undefined intuition. When parents did not feel recognised in their concern or felt criticised, anxiety increased as well as the threshold to seek healthcare for future illnesses. Information was needed, especially for situations when the general practitioner or social network were less easily available. This information should be reliable, consistent, available in multiple formats and include advice on management of fever at home and precise referral to medical services. Parents reported improved knowledge about fever (pConclusionParents of children with a fever visiting the hospital are concerned about specific symptoms or based on an undefined intuition. Rather than telling parents that they should manage their child’s illness at home, healthcare professionals should recognise parental intuition and provide clear information on alarming signs and potential diagnoses to empower parents in the management of their febrile child.