A recent study suggests that the National Health Service (NHS) may consider switching from liquid medication to tablets for children, potentially saving a significant amount of money. The research revealed that pills are more cost-effective than liquid medicine, offering substantial annual savings per patient. A trial conducted at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London demonstrated that children as young as seven successfully transitioned to tablets, with many expressing a preference for them over the unpleasant taste of liquid drugs.
GOSH is now planning to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning even younger patients, as young as four, to the more affordable tablet form. Dr. Antonia Dastamani, a consultant paediatrician at GOSH and project co-lead, highlighted the importance of considering patients’ preferences regarding the taste of medications, a factor often overlooked in treatment discussions.
The initial trial focused on 19 children with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a condition requiring regular diazoxide intake to manage insulin levels. By switching from liquid to tablet diazoxide, the NHS could potentially save up to £40,000 per patient annually. The positive impact on patients’ quality of life has exceeded expectations, as reported by Kate Morgan, a clinical nurse specialist at GOSH involved in the project.
One participant in the project, 11-year-old Jess Manktelow, shared her experience of transitioning to diazoxide tablets, emphasizing the significant improvement in managing her condition without the unpleasant taste of liquid medication. The shift to tablets has not only simplified Jess’s daily routine but also empowered her to take control of her health more independently.
The success of this trial underscores the potential benefits of tablets over liquid medications for children, prompting a reevaluation within the NHS. Dr. Dastamani emphasized the need to involve children in decisions about their care to promote independence. Nurse Kate Morgan reiterated the importance of making simple yet impactful changes to enhance the lives of young patients and their families.
The study’s findings suggest that children can effectively swallow tablets, with previous research exploring the concept of providing swallowing training sessions within the NHS. Considering the challenges associated with liquid medicines, such as storage, expiration dates, and convenience, transitioning to tablets could offer a more practical and cost-effective solution. Additionally, the cost disparities between liquid and tablet forms of common medications like warfarin further highlight the potential savings and benefits of this switch.
