Publication Date
2018
Degree Type
Doctoral Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Lisa Walker-Vischer
Second Advisor
Latasha Williams
Third Advisor
Anju Padiyil
Keywords
Teens, communication, technology, pediatrics
Abstract
Navigating healthcare can be daunting as an adult, but doing so as a teenager can seem virtually impossible. Until the age of eighteen, parents of children of all ages initiate, schedule, and accompany their children to see their pediatrician for virtually all appointments. Over time, children and their parents develop a special bond with their pediatrician and too frequently, this relationship becomes abruptly severed as their teen turns eighteen years old and is thrust into adult medicine. As healthcare providers, we expect healthcare consumers (including teens) to know how and when to initiate, schedule, and get themselves to an appointment. This expectation is unrealistic. Without knowing how to access their own healthcare, teens often fail. If transitioning teens lack the education and confidence, to navigate their own healthcare, their short-term and Jong-term outcomes can potentially be both costly and unpleasant (Haggerty, et. al 2006). Healthcare providers need to take an active role to embrace teens and help them take responsibility for their health care as they move from pediatric to adult medicine. Will the introduction of education and technology improve the online connection between teens before they transition to adult medicine? If health care providers or their representatives introduce teens to healthcare technology will the teens interact with their pediatric provider?
Recommended Citation
Connor-Prows, Kathy A., "Improving Teen and Pediatric Provider Communication through Education and Technology" (2018). Doctoral Projects. 89.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.u85s-yvg8
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_doctoral/89
