Adolescent Health

Creative Approaches

Pamela D. Dodge, MSN, RNMagee-Womens Hospital

Pittsburgh, PA

Womancare Model

• The woman is at the center of all we do

• Socioeconomic status, education, sexual orientation, health status

• Age-specific• Aspects of health and wellness

Care Elements• Access• Empowerment• Respect• Education• Integrated comprehensive

care• Affordable• Quality

TeenCenter• Separate unit• Nurse practitioner and social worker• Teen brochures and posters• Teen music/radio station• Teen magazines• Graffiti board• Teen family planning classes

TeenCenter Development• Teen décor• Interactive programs• Peer educators• Privacy• Expanded hours• Staff education

Challenges

• Confidentiality• Follow-up on teens• Getting the word out on service

availability• Integration of behavioral health services• School-based services• Funding

How do you know what teens want?

• Go where they go– Community centers – Teen groups– Schools– Community fairs

• Bring Pizza and Pop• Outreach• Work in partnerships

Atmosphere• Prefer female providers• Staff who want to work

with teens• After school hours• Privacy• Teen pamphlets• Bulletin boards

Education

• Not just the teens• Provider education• Parent education• Teacher education• Community-based programs• School-based programs

Curriculum• Teens Then and Now• Applying past experience to present

practice• Normal adolescent growth and development• High risk and special needs• Assessment and intervention practices• Teen speakers

What Do Teens Want?• Privacy• Confidentiality• Someone who will ask the hard questions• Someone who will listen• Acceptance• Access• Respect