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Encounters between adolescents and general practice in Australia
Michael L Booth1, Stephanie Knox, Melissa Kang
1School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. michael_booth@health.usyd.edu.au
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Adolescents have fewer general practice encounters, primarily for physical issues. Opportunities exist to enhance mental health and preventive care for this age group.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Adolescent Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent healthcare needs are distinct and require tailored approaches.
- General practice is a key setting for primary healthcare delivery in Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the nature of interactions between adolescents and Australian general practice.
- To identify patterns in reasons for encounters, problems managed, and treatments for adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH) program (1998-2004).
- Comparison of encounter data for adolescents (10-19 years) with young adults (25-29 years).
- Examination of encounter rates, reasons, problems managed, treatments, and consultation types.
Main Results:
- Adolescents exhibit the lowest encounter rates with general practice compared to other age demographics.
- Respiratory, skin, musculoskeletal, and unspecified issues dominated reasons for encounters and problems managed.
- Mental health, preventive care, and health education were infrequently addressed during consultations.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents underutilize general practice, with consultations focused mainly on physical health concerns.
- Significant potential exists to improve the management of mental health conditions and integrate preventive healthcare for adolescents.
- Standard surgical consultations were more prevalent among adolescents than young adults.
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