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Adolescent health visits are usually longer than GP visits, sometimes up to an hour. This gives everyone plenty of time to talk.
The visit is often split into two parts: one with the parent or guardian present, and one without. This provides an opportunity to practise the skills your young person will need later in life: giving their own medical history, asking necessary questions, and more. Another member of our team will usually step in to support them when you’re not in the room.
Research indicates that it’s important to carve out this time for young people. In fact, doing so is now considered the ‘gold standard’ in adolescent healthcare and should signal to you that staff respect and care for your young person.
We typically ask questions about all aspects of life, not just a medical history. This is because adolescent medicine specialists want to understand everything that contributes to a young person’s overall health and well-being. We can serve as an additional caring, responsible adult who can give advice and help to keep your young person safe.
If your young person is a minor, any serious risk of harm that we identify will typically be shared with you, in partnership with your young person.
Young people usually take more responsibility for their healthcare as they grow and develop. We will encourage this process during their time at the clinic. You can help by showing them how you do it, and by gradually allowing them to take more independence and control.
Here is a list of things that your young person can do on their journey towards independence.
