Moving with the Mumsnet times: navigating patient and family communication in an evolving digital era

Abstract

With paediatric emergency attendances on the increase, it's more important than ever to ensure the health information we provide to patients and their families is relevant and targeted to its intended population. In an ever-evolving social media driven world modern families want quick, clear and reliable resources they can trust. This article explores the need to modernise patient and family education resources so that they are the first choice over less medically factual resources available on the internet and various apps. I believe that with further supportive research and evidence that patient and family education can be significantly improved and redefine the impact health information can have on attendance, knowledge, and patient satisfaction. Through this article I discuss the barriers to change, the current developments and previous work that has been done around patient and family education in paediatrics, and the potential for future developments in this field.