Impression: Teddybär mit Fieberthermometer

Fit For Fever – a research project for families and pediatricians' offices

We are investigating how parents obtain information and make decisions when their child has a fever—
and how pediatricians' offices can support them in this process.

The project

Link Vimeo: to Fit for Fever presentation video — Prof. Dr. David Martin

The "Fit for Fever" innovation fund project is piloting a reimbursed physician-led consultation in which pediatricians advise parents on guideline-compliant management of fever in children. To this end, physicians from approximately 170 pediatric practices in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Thuringia are participating in online training on the current fever guidelines. Following the training, these practices receive a package of informational materials that enables them to quickly educate parents about fever. This consultation service is being reimbursed for the first time. In addition, parents are provided with information and short questionnaires via the "My Pediatric Practice" app from the German Association of Pediatricians. The FeverApp and other digital resources further support parents in their daily lives.

An accompanying comparative study, conducted in cooperation with the statutory health insurance physicians' associations, is investigating the impact of this new form of care on prescribing practices, emergency room visits, and the overall health economics situation. A survey on attitudes towards fever and a detailed effectiveness analysis complete the research design.

Project duration: 01.11.25-31.10.2028

Background information

Understanding fever: The protective and warning mechanism of the child's organism

In pediatric and adolescent medicine, fever has always been considered a key indicator of illness. Elevated body temperature improves immune system function and supports the recovery process. Nevertheless, fever often causes anxiety for many parents and is a frequent cause of disproportionately high numbers of emergency visits to pediatricians and outpatient clinics. This also leads to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, which in particular increases the risk of antibiotic resistance and the associated burdens on the body, the environment, and the healthcare system.

Guidelines for Managing Fever

Managing fever is complex: in addition to its physiological protective function, parental anxieties and gaps in knowledge also play a role. Parents react very differently to the first signs of an elevated body temperature, influenced by their own experiences, cultural background, and individual level of information. These factors shape both the daily interaction with a feverish child and the decision regarding medication.

What is behind the project?

"Fit for Fever" is a joint project of the University of Witten/Herdecke, the Professional Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Physicians, the Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics at the University of Düsseldorf, and the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of North Rhine, Westphalia-Lippe, Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia, and Bavaria. It is funded by the Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee. The project is conducted in accordance with applicable data protection and ethical standards.

Participation of families

Families participate in the project through participating pediatricians' offices. If your practice is participating in Fit for Fever, you will receive all further information from the project team.

Information for pediatricians

Pediatricians' offices play a key role in educating families about fever. Participating practices receive access to online training and materials for implementation during consultations – the consultation service is reimbursed.