- 16Oct
‘Please don’t call me mum’
In this article for the BMJ, Stephanie Nimmo explains how being called mum by her daughter’s healthcare team was disempowering and failed to recognise the knowledge she brought to the team. Stephanie’s daughter Daisy was born with a rare genetic condition in 2004. She says being referred to as ‘mum’ immediately created a power-based relationship that did not recognise…
- 16Oct
New guide for young people with autism
PIF member NICE has teamed up with SCIE to release a new guide aimed at young people with autism and their families. Assessment and diagnosis of autism: what to expect for young people and their families is aimed at young people of secondary school age. It explains why someone may be referred for an assessment,…
- 2Oct
Addressing health literacy in schools
A communication by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised the importance of health literacy in schools. Addressing health literacy in schools in the WHO European Region argues the education system as a whole, and schools in particular, are important settings for the development of health literacy among children. It says improvement in health literacy skills may benefit…
- 18Sep
Ask for Evidence launches Evidence Hunter pack
An Evidence Hunter activity pack is hoping to empower young people by giving them the tools to ask, ‘What is the evidence behind this claim?’. It aims to develop the skills and confidence needed to critically assess claims online and reduce the spread of false information. The pack, aimed at Scouts, Guides and after-school clubs, is part of…
- 18Sep
Public Health England reveals strategy for next five years
Public Health England has published its strategy for 2020 to 2025, setting out its priorities for the next five years. The strategy says there is a 19-year difference in years spent in good health between the most affluent and the poorest communities. In his foreword, chief executive Duncan Selbie says: “When we think about good health,…
- 11Sep
BMA Patient Information Awards winners announced
Outstanding patient resources have been celebrated at the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards. PIF was delighted to be both reviewers and part of the judging panel for the Awards, with PIF’s Nicole Naylor presenting the Long Term Conditions award at the event. The ceremony at BMA House on 10 September 2019 saw PIF member Guy’s and…
- 11Sep
Government releases infographics to promote physical activity
The Department of Health and Social Care has published a new series of infographics explaining the physical activity needed for general health benefits for all age groups, disabled adults, pregnant women and women after childbirth. They are designed to help health professionals explain the type and amount of physical activity that people should be doing to…
- 4Sep
Study: Xploro app reduces children’s procedural anxiety
A study from Edge Hill University has shown that children using the new Xploro app are significantly less anxious before undergoing procedures than those who received traditional hospital information. Evidence shows children who are less anxious about hospital procedures have better outcomes in both the short and long term and Xploro is designed to facilitate this by letting them…
- 28Aug
Study: Impact of virtual reality on children’s pain during procedures
A new study has found virtual reality shows promise in helping to distract children from self-reported pain and anxiety during medical procedures. Authors believe younger children in particular may benefit from the intervention. The review of 17 trials looked at virtual reality interventions tested in trials with children receiving treatment for burns, dental and tumour…
- 21Aug
MND Association launches new resources for children
PIF member, the MND Association, has developed two key resources for young children in response to demand from families affected by motor neurone disease. MND Buddies is a new online activity hub developed to give children aged four to 10 the chance to learn more about MND through games, stories, activities and galleries where they…