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What are we making a decision about?

Help us all (you, me and your parents) to get a shared understanding of what the decision is about and my goals.

What are we making a decision about?

 

  • Find out why I think I am here—ask me first and then my parents
  • Ask me about all of my concerns, about my life and not just my conditions or symptoms
  • Explain to me why I am seeing you specifically
  • Talk with me about why you think I’m here
  • Share information with me to help me to understand my health

 

Young people say

girl

In a meeting with you, give me time to voice my concerns. Child or Young Person

If I am lucky I might get introduced to who I am seeing, but that doesn’t mean they have told me why I am seeing them. Child or Young Person

Sometimes when my mum takes me to see the doctor we have different ideas about what the problem is and they always listen to her. Child or Young Person

Top tips from professionals

Show all Top Tips Below

I find out what the child or young person thinks my role is when I first meet them, as they sometimes have preconceptions which aren’t right.

Elizabeth, Clinical Psychologist

During my introduction, I set some ground rules for the meeting and include confidentiality and consent in here. And the ground rules are for all in the room so include parents or carers, me and the child or young person. They help the people in the room know their role in the meeting, it breaks the ice, as well helping the young person know you are there for them, not just their family.

Lindsay-Kay, Adolescent Clinical Nurse Specialist

I like to not only find out why the child or young person thinks they have come to their appointment today but also summarise why I think they are seeing me today. This is particularly important if they see lots of professionals about their condition, because it helps them to understand why me and why now, and what help my input is likely to be.

Akil, Registrar

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