Guide to Producing Health Information for Children and Young People

The Patient Information Forum 2020 Guide to Producing Health Information for Children and Young People focuses on the practical aspects of creating good health information.

Key areas include involving children, choosing the right format, writing for children and tackling sensitive issues.

It features topical case studies on communicating with children about COVID-19 including:

• Comforting children scared by the COVID-19 pandemic (Bupa UK)
• Young people informing young people about COVID-19 (Barts Health Youth Empowerment Squad)
• Improving access to healthcare for autistic children and young people (Ambitious about Autism and Whittington Health NHS Trust)
• Embers the Dragon, a digital animation to enhance child development (Digital Mentality)

The 2020 update also provides new guidance on digital, mental health needs and working with children at risk of violence.

It covers the use of stories and play, social media and apps, how and when to give information, use of schools, and the internet as channels and communications for children with disabilities and special needs.

Experts from child psychiatry, leading children’s health charities and Barts Health NHS Trust helped develop the guidance.

It is split into five main sections, supported by practical tips, case studies and links to further resources:

• Why the right information matters
• Involving children and young people
• Communicating health information
• Creating high quality information
• Where to learn more

Kath Evans, Chair of the Expert Panel, said: “Children and young people tell us repeatedly they want to be involved in making choices and decisions about their care.

“Health issues can be scary; good information reduces anxiety and increases confidence.

“My experience as a children’s nurse has shown me that access to sensitive, accurate, accessible and well-timed information makes the world of difference to physical and emotional wellbeing, helping put them in control, resulting in better outcomes.”

The guide is available to download at pifonline.org.uk/resources/publications/2020-guide-to-producing-health-information-for-children-and-young-people

The Patient Information Forum