The promise of primary health reform for youth health

Abstract

As in other nations, 1,2 the Australian primary care sector represents the first port of call for most young people aged 12 to 24 years seeking health care. 3 Australian young people are more likely to consult general practitioners (GPs) for support and counsel than other clinicians. 4 This is especially the case for sensitive matters, like mental health issues. 5 Seventy to ninety per cent of young people access primary care at least once a year, primarily for respiratory or dermatological concerns. 6 GPs are therefore well-placed to promote youth health. As part of the primary care sector, GPs are responsible for promoting and reinforcing prevention, early intervention and connected care. 7 In some Western nations, like the UK and Australia, they serve as the conduit to secondary and tertiary care, and thus moderate patient-flow within the health system. Furthermore, the developmental phase of young people provides an opportune period for prevention and early intervention. 6 Attending to youth health represents a sound investment. This is recognised by a number of governments that endeavour to facilitate youth access to general practice. For instance, the Department of Health in the UK has released criteria to promote youth access to health care, which include the availability of appointment times that are accessible to young people, confidentiality, and staff training in youth health. 8 Similarly, the Australian federal government entitles young people to hold their own Medicare card from the age of 15 years and thus access primary care services independently. 9 Despite government support for primary care and young people's seeming acceptance of GPs, youth access to primary care remains limited. Recent research on GP activity throughout Australia suggests that patients aged 15 to 24 years account for approximately 8.6 percent of all encounters 10 -yet young people represent 13.6 percent of the Australian population. 11 At a state level, NSW data suggest that youth access to GPs is largely in decline, particularly among young males. 12 Although this research indicates that over two-thirds of NSW young people access a GP within a given 12-month period, this means

Does screening for and intervening with multiple health compromising behaviours and mental health disorders amongst young people attending primary care improve health outcomes? A systematic review

“…Involving end-users in the design of technology ensures that the tool meets young people’s needs and is contextually relevant [ 56 ]. There is increasing interest in how technology may be incorporated into primary care to enhance service delivery and health outcomes [ 57 ] and more research is required to understand its role in screening.…”

Understanding practitioner perspectives of youth healthcare using thematic and lexical analyses

“…[8][9][10][11][12] Youth healthcare can be a challenging area to work, partly because of limited support. [13][14][15][16] A systematic review suggested youth access to sexual and reproductive health services is hindered by service accessibility; privacy and confidentiality; and staff characteristics and competencies. 17 Another concluded that youth engagement with health systems is influenced by "the ability to recognize and understand health issues; service knowledge and attitudes toward help-seeking; structural barriers; professionals' knowledge, skills, attitudes; service environments and structures; ability to navigate the health system; youth participation; and technology opportunities".…”

“…Youth healthcare can be a challenging area to work, partly because of limited support . A systematic review suggested youth access to sexual and reproductive health services is hindered by service accessibility; privacy and confidentiality; and staff characteristics and competencies .…”