According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, adolescents and young adults make up approximately 22 percent of the population of the United States. For most, adolescence is a time of optimal health, and visits with healthcare practitioners may be infrequent. But as young people age, it becomes increasingly necessary to monitor their overall and gynecological health.
Coordinating OB/GYN care with pediatric care can be simple — and by working together, you can help ensure your young patients remain as healthy as possible. Since reproductive health issues such as endometriosis can arise during adolescence, coordinating care between physicians can help to identify potential problems and initiate treatment as soon as possible.
Unique Issues Facing Adolescents
With the onset of puberty, and pressure from friends and acquaintances in the same age group, adolescents may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors that jeopardize their reproductive health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that approximately 10 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections are diagnosed each year among teenagers in the United States. Although teen pregnancy rates are decreasing, they are still higher than in other industrialized nations.
Adolescents may hesitate to divulge information about risky behaviors or symptoms to care providers, especially if they believe they may get in trouble. A coordinated effort among healthcare providers can bridge any knowledge gaps, helping each provider understand the patient fully.
Keys to Coordinating Care
The Department of Health and Human Services notes that care coordination helps improve the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of our healthcare system. When providers work together to deliver comprehensive care, everyone benefits.
In treating adolescents, it may be better for each healthcare provider to practice specific care coordination actions, such as assessing the patient's healthcare needs, creating a proactive care plan, monitoring their response to treatment and supporting their self-management goals.
To best coordinate OB/GYN care with pediatricians, gynecology clinicians should follow a few key steps:
- Ensure each patient has a single primary care provider. It is important for teens to have one healthcare provider who maintains an ongoing relationship. In most cases, the patient's pediatrician is well-positioned to coordinate care among all medical providers.
- Leverage health information technology. Digital tools facilitate the transfer of information between providers, families and patients themselves. OB/GYNs and pediatricians may communicate regarding patient visits, symptoms, possible diagnoses and any other unusual changes a child may experience. Other resources, such as electronic health records, can also be used to monitor patient progress, update other physicians and help coordinate appointments between other offices.
- Involve the family. Your patient's pediatrician may help you better understand certain family dynamics that may influence care. By taking the patient's family into consideration, you may have more success ensuring adherence to specific treatment plans.
Taking steps to align with your patient's pediatrician can help put them at ease and make coordinating care with multiple providers feel more streamlined. Care coordination can help teen patients avoid reproductive health problems while still ensuring they receive the necessary treatment and positive guidance.
