Reducing RSV-related Emergency Department Visits
Advisor(s)
Megan Lieb
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection among infants in the United States and continues to result in significant emergency department visits and hospitalizations each year. Infants under 12 months experience the highest rates of severe disease, and despite advances in immunoprophylaxis, RSV continues to strain pediatric healthcare systems during peak seasonal outbreaks. Caregiver knowledge and preventive behaviors play a critical role in reducing RSV transmission and early symptom progression.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine whether nurse-led RSV prevention education provided to parents of infants under 12 months reduces RSV-related emergency department visits within six months of hospital discharge compared to standard discharge education.
Methods: This project will use a quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design in a pediatric inpatient setting. Participants will include parents or primary caregivers of infants under 12 months of age at discharge. The intervention will consist of structured nurse-led RSV prevention education delivered verbally with standardized written materials. The primary outcome measure will be the incidence of RSV-related emergency department visits, with rates from the six months prior to the intervention compared to rates during the six months following the intervention, obtained through electronic health record review.
Conclusion: This project may demonstrate that structured nurse-led education reduces RSV-related emergency department utilization among infants. Findings could support standardizing RSV prevention education at discharge and strengthen the role of nurses in preventive pediatric care. Reducing preventable emergency visits may improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare system burden.
Recommended Citation
Girouard, Lauren E., "Reducing RSV-related Emergency Department Visits" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 48.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/48
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Reducing RSV-related Emergency Department Visits
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection among infants in the United States and continues to result in significant emergency department visits and hospitalizations each year. Infants under 12 months experience the highest rates of severe disease, and despite advances in immunoprophylaxis, RSV continues to strain pediatric healthcare systems during peak seasonal outbreaks. Caregiver knowledge and preventive behaviors play a critical role in reducing RSV transmission and early symptom progression.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine whether nurse-led RSV prevention education provided to parents of infants under 12 months reduces RSV-related emergency department visits within six months of hospital discharge compared to standard discharge education.
Methods: This project will use a quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention design in a pediatric inpatient setting. Participants will include parents or primary caregivers of infants under 12 months of age at discharge. The intervention will consist of structured nurse-led RSV prevention education delivered verbally with standardized written materials. The primary outcome measure will be the incidence of RSV-related emergency department visits, with rates from the six months prior to the intervention compared to rates during the six months following the intervention, obtained through electronic health record review.
Conclusion: This project may demonstrate that structured nurse-led education reduces RSV-related emergency department utilization among infants. Findings could support standardizing RSV prevention education at discharge and strengthen the role of nurses in preventive pediatric care. Reducing preventable emergency visits may improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare system burden.