Triadic Collaboration Between Adolescents, Caregivers, and Health-Care Providers to Promote Healthy Behavior

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Health Behavior Change
• Healthcare Provider-Patient-Caregiver Dynamics

Background:

• Adolescent health management requires understanding the complex interactions between healthcare providers (HCPs), adolescents, and their caregivers.
• Effective support for healthy behaviors in adolescents necessitates a collaborative approach involving all three parties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the triadic relationship between HCPs, adolescents, and caregivers during healthcare visits.
• To identify strategies for HCPs to effectively support adolescents in choosing healthy behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with adolescents (13-18 years) and their caregivers.
• Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns in preferences for provider interactions concerning health behavior change.

Main Results:

• Fourteen themes emerged regarding adolescent and caregiver preferences for direct and indirect interactions with HCPs.
• A triadic collaboration framework was developed, emphasizing an adolescent-centered and caregiver-involved approach.

Conclusions:

• Findings support previous research on triadic interactions, offering deeper insights into the HCP's role.
• The study provides guidance for HCPs on collaborative strategies to promote adolescent healthy behaviors and improve health outcomes.