adolescent health Flashcards
define adolescence
11-25 years
why is chronic disease control worse in adolescents
- different priorities
- different thought process/ ability to process long term outcomes
- chronic disease and adolescence are both emotional journeys with a need to restructure identity
how to set up consultations for adolescents
- offer to see adolescents on their own
- easier if standard practice
- easier if follow up appointments
- consider chaperones
- follow by bringing/ carers into consultation
how should you discuss treatment adherence
“how often do you forget to take your medication” rather than “do you forget to take your medication”
what should be included in adolescent social history
HEADSS H- home E- education A - activities D - drugs/ alcohol S - sexuality S - self harm/ suicide
asking about home
where do you live
who lives with you
how do you get along with people you live with
who would you talk to if you had a problem
asking about education/ employment
where do you go what year what subjects do you enjoy what are you good at who do you spend time with at school
asking about activities
what do you enjoy outside of school
are you in any clubs or teams
who do you meet up with at weekends
asking about drugs
do any of your friends smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol?
how about you?
have you ever tried cannabis?
how much do you smoke/ drink?
asking about sexuality
do any of your friends have boyfriends/ girlfriends?
how about you?
have you ever had sex?
do you use condoms/ the pill?
discussing suicide/ self harm
how would you describe your mood?
do you ever get really down?
some people who feel down feel like hurting themselves or killing themselves, have you ever felt like that?
improving transition to adult services
- treat as a process rather than event
- begin early (11-12)
- ensure good understanding of condition and medications
- initial joint appointments with adult and paediatric teams
