Our challenge today is to drive improvements in patient and family-centred care. To achieve these improvements we need to engage the voices of our patients and families, for a service that is truly designed around the needs of children and families.
We recognise the importance of patient and family engagement in healthcare, and we want to be at the forefront of implementation of innovative practices that empower patients and their families, fostering a collaborative approach towards healthcare decision-making and improving patient outcomes.
Paediatric patient and family engagement is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, children and adolescents are the recipients of healthcare, and their active participation empowers them to take control of their well-being. Involving them in decision-making processes fosters a sense of autonomy and responsibility, which can positively impact their health outcomes.
Additionally, children may possess unique perspectives and needs that differ from adults, necessitating their input in treatment and research planning.Their input can help us as healthcare providers better understand their fears, preferences, and concerns, leading to more effective and personalised care.
Furthermore, engaging paediatric patients in healthcare decisions can enhance treatment adherence. When children and their families are involved in discussions about their care, they are more likely to follow through with treatment plans, improving long-term health outcomes.
Ultimately, paediatric patient involvement is important because it respects the rights and dignity of children, promotes family-centered care, and leads to better healthcare experiences and outcomes for young patients, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being.
To ensure true engagement across healthcare and research delivery our patients and families need to be presented with information free from medical jargon. There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” remedy. But if we can provide condition-specific information and educational resources that are convenient and easy to access our patients can have a better and more complete picture of their own healthcare needs.
Find out about all the patient engagement activities we offer:
The involvement of and engagement with patients and their families in research, and in informing the direction of our service is an integral part of our work. It is important we consistently take into account the perspectives of people outside the research and clinical teams, especially from those who have lived experience and knowledge of IBD. Our team vision is one of inclusivity, where everyone can contribute to and benefit from, knowledge, teaching and research.
At the Centre for Children's Gut Health, our mission to advance the understanding and treatment of gut-related diseases affecting children would not be possible without the generous support of our donors, partners, and community. Their contributions drive the progress we make in research, clinical care, and patient engagement, helping us improve the lives of children and their families.
Supporters play a vital role in shaping a future where young patients receive the best possible care, tailored to their needs. Through their backing, we can implement cutting-edge research initiatives and innovative care practices that reflect the latest advancements in paediatric gastroenterology. Moreover, their involvement enables us to foster a culture of collaboration between healthcare providers, patients, and families, ensuring that care is centred around the lived experiences of those we serve.
We are deeply grateful to those who share our vision of a healthier future for children with gut-related conditions. By working together, our supporters help us bring essential knowledge and resources to families, ensuring that they are empowered in the management of their healthcare needs.
