Children as consumers

Children are important users of health services, accounting for up to a quarter of general practitioner consultations1 and 30% of the workload in accident and emergency departments.2 However, their needs are given insufficient priority by policy makers and health service professionals. Last year a report of the British government's health committee stressed that a change in attitude was needed and that it was important to listen to children and to take their views into account.3

Although consumers have an important role in reforming health care,4 the paternalistic attitude still prevailing among health professionals when it comes to consumer involvement in health care and research can make this difficult.5 Patient passivity begins early in life6 so we should not be surprised that adult users acquiesce. In this article we discuss why children should be consulted directly, how this is to be achieved, and finally what may be required to bring about change.