The move is designed to help communications become more patient-centred and to help the communication between clinician, patient and GP. Suggestions including using plain English instead of medical phrases, for example, "You went to your GP because..." instead of '"Our presenting complaint was...", and restricting jargon as much as possible.
The RCPCH President, Russell Viner, contributed to the guidance to ensure children and young people and their families and carers are kept informed about patient information in a way that is clear to understand and involves them at every point of their care. The guidance also encourages doctors to use age-appropriate information and resources.
The guidance has advice on structure, content and style, and offers advice on patient confidentiality and consent.