Carbon monoxide detector use: Results of a randomized controlled trial in a pediatric emergency department

Objective: The effects of a brief intervention on parents' carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning prevention knowledge and behaviors were evaluated in a pediatric emergency department serving predominately low-income, urban families.

Methods/Approach: A randomized, controlled trial of a brief intervention with 2-week and 6-month follow-up home observations was conducted with n=299 parents of children ≤18 years of age. The intervention group participants received a 14-page educational tool containing theory-based safety messages based on the precaution adoption process model and a CO detector. Control group participants received a one-page flyer on CO poisoning prevention (usual care).

Results: CO detector safety knowledge scores increased more in intervention group participants (from enrollment to 2-week follow-up home visit). Intervention group participants were more likely than the control group participants to self-report correct/safe CO detector use and to have observed correct/safe use at follow-up home visits.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention on increasing CO safety knowledge and correct/safe detector use when delivered in an emergency department. Future iterations of this intervention should focus on increasing battery replacement and expanding the delivery to the community setting.