From Pamphlets to Podcasts: Health Information at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust

Abstract

This paper outlines the development of information for children and families at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust. Starting in 1995, guidelines for producing written information have been developed and a regular audit programme carried out, resulting in information of consistently high quality being produced. The 'rules' set out for the provision of written information have now been developed to cover multimedia information, so that technology can be harnessed to develop podcasts and other non-written information materials. Technical processes are explained both for production and delivery. Future plans for multimedia information are also outlined.

Meeting the information needs of children in hospital

“…It is argued that, perhaps, alternative modes of communication consistent with modern technologies are required to enable health professionals to more effectively deliver information to children (e.g. Dragone et al, 2002;Moult et al, 2009). Moreover, with the current drive to enhance child agency, many technologies have the potential to place children as active seekers, rather than passive recipients, of information.…”