Missed opportunities for adolescent friendly care in hospital

To investigate whether adolescent friendly care, as defined by current best practice, was being provided within a hospital setting.

All patients aged 12-18 presenting to Tauranga Hospital over a 5-week period were invited to complete a questionnaire on their experience of care. Responses were obtained from 319 adolescents (40% response rate).

Adolescents reported that staff were generally friendly (>80%) and respectful (>90%) and that they trusted staff to care for them (90%). Explanations were considered clear by 87% of adolescents, but 20% felt uncomfortable asking questions. Confidentiality was discussed with some adolescents (52%). Privacy was provided (93%), and most adolescents (86%) were satisfied with the extent of their involvement in consultations. Adolescents reported that staff did not routinely undertake psychosocial assessments. The physical environment and resources did not always meet the needs of adolescents, with 70% complaining about a lack of access to other adolescents.

While adolescents rated the care they received highly, the care did not always align with best practices regarding adolescent friendly care. There is ample opportunity for improvement.