Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Contributors
- Preface
- Part I Normal development
- Part II Management of developmental abnormalities of the genital tract
- 9 Management of ambiguous genitalia at birth
- 10 Imaging of the female pelvis in the evaluation of developmental anomalies
- 11 Surgical correction of vaginal and other anomalies
- 12 Laparoscopic techniques
- 13 A nonsurgical approach to the treatment of vaginal agenesis
- 14 Psychological care in disorders of sexual differentiation and determination
- 15 The needs of the adolescent patient and her parents in the clinic
- 16 Communicating a diagnosis
- 17 Patients and parents in decision making and management
- Part III Management of specific disorders
- Index
- Plate section
- References
15 - The needs of the adolescent patient and her parents in the clinic
from Part II - Management of developmental abnormalities of the genital tract
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 May 2010
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Contributors
- Preface
- Part I Normal development
- Part II Management of developmental abnormalities of the genital tract
- 9 Management of ambiguous genitalia at birth
- 10 Imaging of the female pelvis in the evaluation of developmental anomalies
- 11 Surgical correction of vaginal and other anomalies
- 12 Laparoscopic techniques
- 13 A nonsurgical approach to the treatment of vaginal agenesis
- 14 Psychological care in disorders of sexual differentiation and determination
- 15 The needs of the adolescent patient and her parents in the clinic
- 16 Communicating a diagnosis
- 17 Patients and parents in decision making and management
- Part III Management of specific disorders
- Index
- Plate section
- References
Summary
Introduction
Adolescence is a time of transition — of a child becoming an adult. Are adolescents different from children and adults and do they, therefore, have different needs? We would argue that they do. Patients' needs should dictate how the service is run and, therefore, an understanding of these is important. The consultation is pivotal in the doctor—patient relationship, and the way in which this is conducted will influence how patients perceive their illness. Parents are often involved, which adds an extra dimension to the consultation with the adolescent. They may have a different agenda to their offspring. Both can benefit from the opportunity the clinic presents for health education.
In this chapter, the needs of children and adolescents as users of healthcare are discussed. Wider issues include the more political questions such as “Who speaks for adolescents” and “Why bother?” This is followed by a discussion of their needs when they present with gynaecological problems. Parents have needs too and these are outlined. Issues such as consent and confidentiality are important. The way in which such needs can be used to develop a clinical service follows. The consultation itself is discussed in detail.
Definitions
First some definitions. Adolescence is characterized by physiological, psychological, sexual, social and educational change. The physiological changes have been ably described in Chapter 4 and include rapid growth, weight gain and maturation of the reproductive system. Cognitive and psychological changes occur: the child changes into an independent, problem-solving adult.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Paediatric and Adolescent GynaecologyA Multidisciplinary Approach, pp. 179 - 192Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2004