Ten guiding principles for teaching children and adolescents about medicines

In 1996, an open conference sponsored by the US Pharmacopeia (USP) and atte nded by more than 100 health care professionals established the need and ra tionale for teaching children and adolescents about medicines. After the co nference, a public, iterative, consensus-development process including part icipation by 35 health-professional organizations was undertaken. This proc ess resulted in a USP position statement, "Ten Guiding Principles for Teach ing Children and Adolescents About Medicines," which supports the right of children and adolescents to receive developmentally appropriate information and direct communications about medicines that are consistent with their h ealth status, capabilities, and culture. The position statement is intended to stimulate activities that will help children become active participants in the process of appropriate use of medicines and prepare them for the da y they begin to use medicines independently.