An NHS initiative implemented in many parts of the UK (Newcastle, Birmingham, Wales, The Evalina Children’s Hospital, etc) is being commenced at RNOH. Kidzmed is a programme developed to teach children and young people how to swallow pills using an evidence-based 6 step technique. The concept will be introduced during your Outpatient’s appointment, after which parents / carers will be encouraged to practice with their child / young person so that they are confident to swallow pills by the time they are admitted.
Pills have numerous advantages over suspensions for all parties concerned:
- For children and young people: pills are less sickly, contain less sugar and children who swallow pills tend to have better adherence to their medication regimens
- For carers: pills have a longer shelf-life, do not require a fridge for storage, are easier to transport and more readily available in local pharmacies
- For prescribers : less prone to errors when writing prescriptions and can prescribe larger quantities
- For pharmacists: pills are more commonly stocked in local pharmacies compared to suspensions
Resources
For more information see the Pill swallowing a guide for carers
Listen to podcasts below covering pill swallowing in more depth.
Podcast 1 | Podcast 2 | Podcast 3 | Podcast 3
Download the certificate below to give to children upon completion of their pill swallowing training.
Video used with kind permission from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board