Involving children & young people in health and care

Healthwatch Leeds undertook research into children and young people’s involvement in health and care services in Leeds.  They undertook a survey of local health and care organisations about their experience of doing so. The report also includes conversations with five children and young people’s organisations about their experience of being involved.

Survey respondents indicated that involving CYP in decisions about their health and care improves services; for CYP as consumers of care, and for clinicians as service providers.  The report contains good practice and poor practice in engaging young people.

The report establishes that involving CYP in decisions about health and care is well established in Leeds; in policies and statements towards the ‘child friendly city’ goal, and amongst health and care practitioners. CYP are more likely to be involved in personal decisions about their own healthcare rather than strategic decisions about health and wellbeing services.

Challenges with both are numerous, including practical and psychological barriers experienced by health professionals, policy makers, CYP themselves and their families. ‘Seldom heard groups’ remain at risk of being ignored without specific interventions.

Emerging digital technologies, as common platforms in the lives of many CYP, offer new opportunities to creatively involve CYP in decisions about, and control over their health and wellbeing.