you have been asked to interview some teenagers regarding the problem faced by them
Answers
Adolescents obtain their health information from a number of sources. Health care providers are high on the list of the most valued of these sources. Therefore, clinicians need to continue to develop their approach and communication skills with their adolescent patients. One of the challenges of adolescent medicine is helping your patients in finding a path to a healthy lifestyle they are comfortable with. It is essential for you to get the information you need to assess and diagnose health issues, and for the patient to get the information he/she needs to deal effectively with (these) health issues. Adolescents want very much to show they are mature and ‘can handle things themselves’, but at the same time, some of the medical and psychosocial issues they confront may require them to be more dependent. The health care provider must deliver information in such a way as to allow the patient to participate in their own care to the limit of their capabilities developmentally, physically and emotionally, whether they have a short term, chronic or life-threatening condition (1).
In addition to the young person who presents with a specific complaint, the physician has much to discuss with ‘healthy’ youth in the office. It is in fact during these adolescent years that behaviour such as eating habits, safe sex practices and physical activity regimens become established. It is also at this time that decisions concerning alcohol and substance use are often made.
This article will discuss communication skills needed to work with youth, some suggestions on initial approaches to these patients, information gathering strategies, successful involvement of the family and other supportive individuals, and how we can help youth make informed decisions about their care and treatment. A previous Canadian Paediatric Society statement entitled “Office guidelines for the care of adolescents” details how the office/clinic can be more welcoming and comfortable for adolescents (2).
Answer:
Explanation:ks