Communicating with Children about Medicines: A Pharmacist's Perspective
Sleath B, Bush PJ, Pradel FG
Noting that children are consumers of pharmaceuticals yet rarely receive the benefit of the pharmacist's counsel, the authors of this report discuss ways pharmacists can actively include children in their medicine use.
One such method is by using a patient-centered style of communication. Citing reviews of studies of physician-child-parent communication, the authors concluded that using this type of communication led in all cases to a higher level of satisfaction on the patient's part and increased knowledge of his or her medical condition. The authors assert that extrapolating this to pharmacists that would also be beneficial for pharmacist-child-parent interaction.
The report also discusses the age at which children autonomously use medication. While this varies based on child and development level, it was noted that independent use is more common among children with chronic illness. The authors also cite the USP position that supports the right of children and adolescents to "receive developmentally appropriate information and direct communications about medications."
Assessing the child's development level is an essential first step for the pharmacist in determining the appropriate communication method, and the authors reference Piaget's four stages of development. Evaluating the cognitive level can be accomplished by asking open-ended questions. Once the level has been determined, the pharmacist should endeavor to communicate at that level. General strategies include:
- Asking open-ended questions to evaluate the child's level of understanding
- Using simple declarative statements
- Asking the child if he or she has any questions
- Supplementing the communication with written instructions
Pharmacists should also be aware of nonverbal cues and endeavor to include the child in his or her medication. Some strategies include allowing a young child to help make the medicine by placing the label on the bottle or providing older children a medication calendar. Overall, these strategies and focusing on patient-centered style of communication allows children to have greater involvement in their own treatment.
Am J Health-Syst Pharm 2003; 60:604-7
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