Case study
Reaching 500,000 children and families with COVID-19 educational videos
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Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty and misinformation created significant anxiety, particularly among children and their families. Understanding this, NHS Digital, Public Health England, and NHS Test and Trace partnered with Little Journey as experts in paediatrics and healthcare anxiety.
Challenge
Understanding & addressing children's specific concerns
COVID-19 swab testing and vaccination were unfamiliar procedures introduced to children at a time when there were already major disruptions to day-to-day life. NHS Digital needed to develop engaging, child-friendly content to explain these procedures in a way that was clear, reassuring, and accessible to young audiences. It was crucial to address their specific concerns and knowledge gaps.
Navigating pandemic restrictions and evolving medical guidance
NHS Digital needed a partner who could co-ordinate between multiple government agencies, with experience creating content that is evidence-based and medically accurate. It was important that research and content creation could be carried out in compliance with restrictions.
Our solution
Research and consultation with subject matter experts
We conducted an in-depth literature review, including thematic analysis of a survey exploring children’s key COVID-19 questions and fears (n=390).
This research was strengthened with insights from our panel of leading subject matter experts, consisting of paediatricians, child health literacy specialists, and frontline healthcare professionals.
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
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Video co-creation
Working remotely, we co-created videos with children and young children, going through multiple iterations to maximise relatability and clarity.
The final result was a series of animated videos and lived experience videos that included a video of 11-year-old Annabelle taking a rapid lateral flow swab test before returning to school.
Our Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG) even recorded the animation voiceovers themselves!
Sign off and distribution
Final content was signed off by NHS Digital, NHS Test and Trace, and Public Health England. Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists Great Britain & Ireland (APAGBI) provided additional endorsement.
The videos were then hosted on the NHS YouTube channel and featured on the YouTube Kids homepage.
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Outcomes
[Overview of the outcomes. Rearrange the cards below as needed!]
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