A how-to guide for being teen-friendly as a healthcare provider.
Environment
- Posters and pamphlets posted on the walls with information that regards teens and parents
- Display age-appropriate materials
- Designate a separate waiting room for teens who are nervous
- Provide one-on-one counseling for those who are uncomfortable sharing
- Make contraceptives and condoms easily available for teens
Staff
- Be friendly when a new patient comes in
- Allow same-day appointments or walk-ins
- Respect their privacy and guide them to a separate room if they do not feel comfortable talking at the front desk
- Offer for any parents to stay in the waiting room while their child speaks to you privately
- Discuss the privacy policies of the patient (HIPAA)
- Respect their choices in decision making, guiding them to the direction of protection and preventative measures
- Use inclusive terms when talking to them about their partners
After the visit
- Encourage them to come back for a check-up
- Contact the patient (using their preferred method of communication) about actions plans, counseling, and lab results
- Refer teen patients to a trusted provider
- Encourage the patient to share with their friends what they have learned from the visit
Why and how providers should get consent:
- Greet your patients when they are fully clothed; this shows that you care about consent
- Ask your patients if it is okay to be touched before you perform a physical exam
- Check in during the exam; ensure your patient that you are there for them if they have any questions or doubts. Always ask how the patient is doing and if they are feeling any discomfort
- Stop if your patient says “no” or is uncomfortable; this shows that you are respecting their decision to further (or discontinue) the exam or conversation
- Consent applies to birth control too; if your patient does not agree to be put on birth control, do not force them into the decision
- Always get consent before performing an exam under anesthesia; explain why the process will be occurring and how the process will be followed through
Additional Resources:
Title X Clinics
In Tulsa, we have 5 partner clinics which offer free or reduced cost confidential health services to youth 19 and under. No one is turned away for inability to pay.
Guide for Teens
Tulsa Health Department has a guide for teens on their website with information about puberty, anatomy, and more to share with your teen patients.