Medicines for Children

Medicines for Children came about, following the success of the publication that led to the British National Formulary for Children, because our research showed that a national resource for parents and carers was needed.

In 2006, we set out to understand what information parents and carers wanted, and how they wanted it.

We commissioned a market research organisation to interview 600 people and we ran focus groups with parents. Parents were asked where and how they got information about their children’s medicines, how satisfied they were with the advice, and what further information would be helpful.

Aims

Medicines for Children aims to provide practical, reliable and accessible information to parents, carers, and older children about medicines prescribed to children.

We aim for parents and carers to feel more informed, confident and competent about giving a medicine to their child; and for relevant stakeholders to be aware of and have access the resource regularly as part of their communication with patients and their families.

Description

There are currently over 180 medicines leaflets covering a range of medicines and conditions, 12 general leaflets including information on how to give medicines, and seven videos that support these leaflets.

There is scope for translation of the leaflets into other commonly used languages in the UK, including Welsh, Gaelic and Punjabi.

Challenges and Learning

Learning opportunities include understanding how information should be written for parents and carers and getting involved in reviewing or writing leaflets.

The platform is accredited by the Information Standard.

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