Graphic with the text 'Development of the standards' and decorative elements including a yellow heart, a checkmark in a circle, a yellow triangle, and yellow and brown wavy lines.

We have been working together for the last two years to develop the standards for children and young people (aged 0-18 years) undergoing clinical procedures, based on internationally agreed children’s rights set out by the UNCRC (1989).

The standards have been developed in a three stage process. The three stages involved ongoing and extensive consultation within our collaborative group and with established youth and parent forums.

We also sought wider feedback, input and consensus through two rounds of international online surveys.

At all stages we have valued the opinions and views of children, parents and professionals who work with children.

We have shared our work in blogs and publications throughout the last few years.

Title slide for Stage 1 of a project, titled 'Rights based standards for children undergoing clinical procedures version 1.' It features icons representing online meetings: a computer screen with a video call of six international participants, a group of three youth and two adults in the UK with speech bubbles and symbols, and a small group of three young people with speech bubbles.

Slide titled 'Stage 2 Rights based standards for children undergoing clinical procedures version 2' with icons illustrating an online survey, international group video meetings, and online youth and parent forums.

Infographic detailing Stage 3 rights for children, including online surveys, youth and parent meetings, international group meetings, and face-to-face attendance at schools with visual icons of computers, groups, and people.

Professor Lucy Bray

“We have learnt so much over the last two years, it has been amazing to work with children, parents and health professionals to develop the standards. Conversations have sometimes been challenging and sensitive but throughout the process, children and parents have challenged us to remain child-centred and make sure that the standards work for all children having procedures.

We hope the standards prompt honest conversations in practice about how we support children before, during and after a test, treatment, examination or intervention. We need to do more to make sure every child is supported to have a positive procedural experience and that their short and long term best interests are prioritised”