Care model fit for adolescents
During 2009, RCH undertook a review of the Adolescent Model of Care. The purpose of the review was to look at the way we currently care for adolescents and compare this to best practice and evidence based care.
Susan Sawyer, Director, Centre for Adolescent Health said: “Best practice in adolescent health/medicine is largely based upon a developmental model of care, the interpersonal skills of practitioners, and a focus on health, education, wellbeing, quality of life and function.
“Working hand in hand with the RCH Foundation, which funded the review; this is the first step in helping ensure we remain a leader in adolescent health care, research, training and advocacy, both within Australia and internationally.”
The review involved mapping of an adolescent patient’s journey, interviews with current and former RCH staff and research of best practice standards. Since then, a report has been published documenting results and recommendations to cater for the needs of adolescents at RCH.
Key findings included:
- Fifteen per cent of all patient admissions receiving treatment and care at RCH are adolescents
- Twenty-five per cent of patients are admitted to the existing adolescent ward
- On the ward, support programs include a recreation program and a specialist music therapist and limited access to education
- A new model of patient and family-centered education support is currently being implemented by the RCH Education Institute, providing access to teaching and learning for every adolescent admitted to the adolescent ward.
- Other wards have various levels of programmatic support
- The Chronic Illness Peer Support program (ChIPS) is an empowering program for chronically ill young people.
- The Centre for Adolescent Health provides a range of outpatient clinics, mostly by sessional adolescent medicine staff using a private practice model.
- Adolescents attend general paediatrics and subspecialty outpatient clinics within RCH, where they are generally seen with younger patients.
- The Centre for Community Child Health, Integrated Mental Health Program, Adolescent Forensic Health Service and Young People’s Health Service provide clinical services to adolescents.
Recommendations included:
- Development of principles for the treatment of all adolescents at RCH
- Routine psychosocial screening
- Support for the role of ‘adolescent liaison nurses’
- Clarification of referral pathways
- Expansion of the adolescent medicine consultation service
- Improved evaluation and clinical research
- Training and capacity building with staff
- An integrated/collaborative model of care at inpatient, outpatient and community levels
John Stanway, Executive Direct Division of Clinical Support Services, said: “The review puts the focus on young people in the hospital. It has identified challenges and opportunities to achieve a more integrated and better coordinated model of care for adolescents.
“In the new Adolescent Model of Care a young person admitted or referred to the RCH will receive developmentally and culturally sensitive care within a youth friendly environment irrespective of where and by whom they are seen or treated.”
While important changes in culture, attitude and function are required to achieve theses aspirations, the opening of the new hospital at the end of 2011 provides the impetus to achieve a model of care fit for adolescents.
You can find out more about the Adolescent Model of Care at the Transformation and Redesign Steering Group meeting on Tuesday 9 February, 3-4pm in the Ella Latham meeting room. All staff are welcome to attend