Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are prevalent globally and can cause substantial morbidity in infants and young children. The virus is easily transmitted by direct hand-to-hand contact and can lead to serious respiratory disease and hospitalization, particularly in premature infants and children with certain medical conditions. Educating families with young children, especially those in remote rural regions, regarding the potential adverse health outcomes of RSV infection and measures to reduce the risk of transmitting or acquiring RSV has been a key focus of the health care system in Canada. Geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic factors present formidable challenges to the execution of this endeavor. Therefore, it is critical to develop and systematically implement effective educational programs for both families and health care providers. In Canada, nurses play a critical role in education and counseling. In this review, we share our perspectives and suggest empirical practices that may be applicable worldwide.

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Globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes substantial morbidity in infants and young children, particularly those with specific risk factors (e.g., prematurity, chronic lung and congenital heart disease). Supportive measures are the mainstay of care for RSV-related disease. In the absence of medical treatments, RSV prophylaxis (RSVP) with palivizumab is recommended for high-risk patients to help reduce the risk of developing serious disease. Geographic distances, language and cultural barriers, and other factors can impede effective education of caregivers regarding the potential impact of RSV disease and benefits of RSVP compliance. We present our experiences developing successful Canadian RSVP programs, organized through a dedicated coordinator or small group of health care staff. These programs focus on identifying all infants and young children eligible for RSVP, effectively educating health care staff and family caregivers, developing educational tools that consider language and cultural factors, and interdisciplinary collaboration and networking throughout the health care system.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus, and is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and toddlers worldwide.RSV infection poses serious health risks to young children during the first 2 years of life. Several infant populations have been classified as high risk, and additional risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of severe RSV infection. Treatment for active RSV infection is limited to the symptoms of infection rather than the underlying cause; therefore, it is critical to reduce the transmission of RSV. As nurses, we highlight the importance of educating healthcare professionals, both in the hospital and community settings, aswell as parents and other caregivers about the risks and outcomes associated with RSV infection, and necessarymeasures to decrease the risk of infection. We also highlight the importance of the successful identification of those children who are at high risk of RSV infection. RSV prophylaxis (RSVP) with palivizumab has been shown to improve clinical outcome in infants who are considered high risk compared with those who have not received RSVP. The failure of healthcare staff and primary caregivers to protect children against an RSV infection can have lasting detrimental effects on the health and lives of affected children and their families.

Health care staff and families with young children are often unware of the ease of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spread and potential clinical consequences of serious respiratory illness. Successful Canadian RSV prophylaxis (RSVP) programs (a) provide practical educational resources on RSV and respiratory disease that consider language and cultural barriers; (b) develop policies to identify all children eligible for RSVP with palivizumab; (c) emphasize compliance with RSVP, particularly during patient transfer between hospitals, community clinics, and remote outpost centers; and (d) establish collaborative networks to help ensure optimum RSVP compliance for all high-risk children. Herein, we share practical resources and key educational references for counseling of caregivers with infants or young children at risk for RSV infection, and health care providers participating in RSVP program development.