Search

Background: Children, young people and their families need high quality information in order to support decisions they make about looking after themselves and staying healthy. When children are unwell, they and their families require tailored information to make choices about their health and healthcare, the medicines they take and the various services that the NHS offers. However, very little information has been specifically produced for children and their families and very little is known about their information preferences and how information is used.What we propose to do: We will undertake a study to provide a full picture of the information needs and preferences of children and young people, under 18 years with specific healthcare needs and conditions, and their families, and make this information widely available.About the Study: Using a three-phase research design that includes a range of children/young people under 18 years with common long-term conditions including asthma, diabetes, and disabled children with complex needs, and acute conditions including unplanned orthopaedic surgery/interventions and planned ear, nose and throat surgery, we will:1. Review literature and currently available information sources for children under 18 years and their families;2. Conduct interviews with children, young people, family members and health professionals, and observe where information is exchanged and used in routine clinical practice, and3. Combine information from phases 1 & 2 to make recommendations concerning children/young people and family members information needs and preferences.We will publish papers and web-based resources, including a version of the report for the public. This will ensure maximum impact of our findings amongst health service users, practitioners, managers and policy makers.