Developing ambulatory and in-patient services for adolescents

Adolescents require specialized health care because of their unique developmental needs. The medical or surgical treatment of a disorder may be straightforward and little different from that of a child or adult; but, because of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial stages of development, consideration of these attributes assumes great importance if optimal results are to be achieved. Establishing outpatient and inpatient facilities for adolescents requires meticulous planning and continuing commitment, careful selection of professional staff, elimination of barriers to health care, respect for privacy and confidentiality, and knowledge of laws affecting consent for care. Teenagers are often unsure of themselves, have difficulty relating to adults, and their actions often belie their true feelings. It is necessary to establish rapport and trust with patients and other professionals.