This session focuses on how we communicate about medicines with children, young people and their families in everyday clinical practice. Using real-world examples and parent perspectives, we will explore why communication matters, how it influences understanding, adherence and safety, and where it can go wrong.
We will explore the challenges of communicating across different ages and stages, including increasing independence, shared decision-making, and consent. Drawing on practical experience and patient and public involvement work, the session will highlight simple, effective strategies to involve children and young people in conversations about their medicines in an age-appropriate and meaningful way.
Attendees will leave with practical tools and approaches they can apply immediately to improve communication, support safer medicines use, and better involve families as partners in care.

• Describe why effective communication with children, young people and families is critical for safe and effective medicines use.
• Identify common communication challenges across different developmental stages and how these impact understanding and adherence.
• Apply practical, age-appropriate strategies to involve children and young people in discussions about their medicines.
• Recognise the role of parents and carers in medicines decision-making and how to incorporate their perspectives effectively.