The needs of the adolescent patient and her parents in the clinic

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511527036.016

15 - The needs of the adolescent patient and her parents in the clinic

from Part II - Management of developmental abnormalities of the genital tract

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 May 2010

Edited by

Jane MacDougall and

Jane MacDougall: Affiliation:
Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
Adam H. Balen: Affiliation:
Leeds Teaching Hospitals, University Trust
Sarah M. Creighton: Affiliation:
University College London Hospitals
Melanie C. Davies: Affiliation:
University College London
Jane MacDougall: Affiliation:
Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge
Richard Stanhope: Affiliation:
Great Ormond Street Hospital

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Summary

Introduction

Adolescence is a time of transition — of a child becoming an adult. Are adolescents different from children and adults and do they, therefore, have different needs? We would argue that they do. Patients' needs should dictate how the service is run and, therefore, an understanding of these is important. The consultation is pivotal in the doctor—patient relationship, and the way in which this is conducted will influence how patients perceive their illness. Parents are often involved, which adds an extra dimension to the consultation with the adolescent. They may have a different agenda to their offspring. Both can benefit from the opportunity the clinic presents for health education.

In this chapter, the needs of children and adolescents as users of healthcare are discussed. Wider issues include the more political questions such as “Who speaks for adolescents” and “Why bother?” This is followed by a discussion of their needs when they present with gynaecological problems. Parents have needs too and these are outlined. Issues such as consent and confidentiality are important. The way in which such needs can be used to develop a clinical service follows. The consultation itself is discussed in detail.

Definitions

First some definitions. Adolescence is characterized by physiological, psychological, sexual, social and educational change. The physiological changes have been ably described in Chapter 4 and include rapid growth, weight gain and maturation of the reproductive system. Cognitive and psychological changes occur: the child changes into an independent, problem-solving adult.

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology
A Multidisciplinary Approach
, pp. 179 - 192

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511527036.016 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2004

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