Summary of topics explored and themes identified
| Broad category of questions | Topic explored | Inductive themes identified |
| (1) Exploration of existing practice in current clinical context | General context | Fear, risk and safety (children as a vulnerable group) |
| RTI diagnostic decision-making and management | Role of GP Uncertainty Dual system decision-making Probabilistic reasoning—likely to be a virus Cognitive bias in decision-making Parent factors in management choices: worry, expectations, competence Self-presentation as not overprescribing | |
| Infection surveillance in the current context | Anecdotal or no evidence gathered | |
| What is needed by clinicians to help with uncertainty | No clear need identified | |
| (2) Response to intervention materials (as presented) | Perceived impact of the intervention |
Management decisions do not need surveillance information (all known) Impact unknown POSITIVE: Supporting decision-making post hoc Clinician confidence in viral diagnosis Cognitive bias effects Reducing reconsultation rates Reducing antibiotic prescribing
NEGATIVE: Increased risk (missing the sick child) Adding complexity Accuracy and representativeness of content |
| What do clinicians want from the intervention | CONTENT: Clinician preferences for threat information Symptom duration DELIVERY:
| |
| Barriers | Information overload Lack of time Lack of fit with clinician role | |
| Perceived utility—will the clinician use it? (implementation) | In an ideal world |
Bold text denotes key themes, presented in detail.
GP, general practitioner; RTI, respiratory tract infection.