A Europe-wide initiative to explain blood tests to children has been sponsored by BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company). With medical education publisher, Medikidz, BD has developed a cartoon-style booklet and poster with the aim of helping children to understand what blood tests are for and how they help doctors make them better.
According to Dr Kate Hersov, deputy CEO at Medikidz: “Up to 70% of children with a chronic illness do not comply with their treatment as they do not understand the doctor’s instructions or their illness.” Commenting on the initiative, Jacqui Hough, phlebotomy manager at Ashford and St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Removing the fear from blood tests by explaining why they are important is really important, as it helps to reduce anxiety and gets kids to cooperate.”
