Creating a program to promote adolescent and provider communication: “Keeping it real in more ways than one”

Background. Recent studies have shown that in traditional primary care settings, adolescent visits don't frequently include appropriate preventive care, especially as it relates to sexuality, sexual behavior, birth control and sexually transmitted infections. This is particularly true among males when compared to females. In those instances when providers do offer these services, adolescents often report feelings of discomfort and/or mistrust that sexual health information may be disclosed to parents or guardians. This makes them less likely to access prevention services, or remain honest when they do. Methods. Nine national sites were funded to replicate the Adolescent Health Care Communication Program (AHCCP), with Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC being one of these sites. Fifteen adolescent peer educators were trained in the curriculum to implement workshops for adolescent patients and their health care providers. These highly interactive sixty minute workshops simulate the best practices for provider-adolescent patient communication recommended by the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM). An advisory board was created and the curriculum was field tested. Results. Reaching 100 providers and 50 patients was established. Provider post tests report an increased comfort talking with adolescents and improved interviewing proficiency in the standardized patient experience. Patient post tests reveal increase confidence with asking questions to providers and improved knowledge on patient rights as minors. Conclusions. Improving trust between adolescents and health care providers as well as comfort discussing sensitive topics will enhance access to routine medical services and screenings and ultimately improved experiences with the health care system.