Side-Effects From Children’s Medicines Parent Leaflet
Leaflet to provide parents with information on management of a child in the aftermath of a suspected adverse drug reaction.
Aim
To enhance communication between families and health practitioners when a side-effect from a child’s medicine is suspected.
Description
The leaflet aims to empower parents, by sending the message that it is ok to ask questions of health professionals when they are worried that their child might have had a side effect. The leaflet suggests questions parent might want to ask and also advises them about steps that they can take to report side-effects via the yellow card scheme.
Implementation
The leaflet was piloted in 17 consultations with families of children with suspected adverse drug reactions. Feedback indicated that the leaflet supported clinicians/ parents in their communication, prompting clinicians to give information they would not normally have covered and giving parents ‘permission’ to ask questions they might not have asked.
The leaflet could guide health practitioners in communicating with parents and children about adverse drug reactions, helping them to anticipate what questions parents might ask.
Challenges and Learning
I would include more of a focus on how to ensure uptake of the leaflets in practice for future projects.
The project underwent extensive review and evaluation as part of an in depth NIHR research study. The leaflet has also been approved by Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Download the leaflet on Medicines for Children.
Project Lead: Bridget Young
Organisation: University of Liverpool/Alder Hey Children’s Hospital