Perspectives of stakeholders on running 'Pill School' in community settings: a survey based study

Liquid formulations are the most widely used pharmaceutical forms among children but may not be the most appropriate. 'Pill School' methodologies exist to teach children how to swallow tablets but are not yet integrated into primary care. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders on running 'Pill Schools'.

We used tailored surveys to gather perspectives from four key stakeholder groups: children and young people (CYP); parents and carers; school staff; and healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in general practice.

In total, 140 people participated, including 11 CYP, 22 parents, 16 school-based staff (50%, n = 8 were head teachers), 91 primary care-based HCPs most of whom were GPs (60.4%, n = 55), pharmacists (16.5%, n = 15), and nurses (10%, n = 9). Most stakeholders consulted were supportive of the concept of 'Pill School'. Common enablers mentioned by HCPs were time and funding. The main barriers mentioned were time, capacity and workload with others citing parental concerns in addition.

The consultation explored stakeholders' perspectives of teaching children to swallow tablets in community settings. Most stakeholders were supportive of the concept of 'Pill School'. HCPs favoured starting with children aged 4 and above whilst parents and school staff favoured starting with children from 8 years and above. There was a clear interest in taking this forward to equip children with this life skill early on, avoiding them becoming adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets.