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Missed opportunities for adolescent friendly care in hospital
Author(s) -
Crossen Kendall
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.13626
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , confidentiality , best practice , family medicine , nursing , psychiatry , management , political science , law , economics
Aim To investigate whether adolescent friendly care, as defined by current best practice, was being provided within a hospital setting. Methods All patients aged 12–18 presenting to Tauranga Hospital over a 5‐week period were invited to complete a questionnaire on their experience of care. Responses were obtained from 319 adolescents (40% response rate). Results Adolescents reported that staff were generally friendly (>80%) and respectful (>90%) and that they trusted staff to care for them (90%). Explanations were considered clear by 87% of adolescents, but 20% felt uncomfortable asking questions. Confidentiality was discussed with some adolescents (52%). Privacy was provided (93%), and most adolescents (86%) were satisfied with the extent of their involvement in consultations. Adolescents reported that staff did not routinely undertake psychosocial assessments. The physical environment and resources did not always meet the needs of adolescents, with 70% complaining about a lack of access to other adolescents. Conclusion While adolescents rated the care they received highly, the care did not always align with best practices regarding adolescent friendly care. There is ample opportunity for improvement.