Adolescent, Parent, and Clinician Perspectives on Increasing Adolescent Involvement in Decision-Making During Clinic Visits

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to describe adolescent, parent, and clinician ideas for enhancing adolescent decision-making involvement (DMI) during clinic visits for chronic illness.

Method: Adolescents who recently attended a follow-up visit for a chronic illness, their parents, and clinicians were interviewed. Participants completed semistructured interviews; transcripts were coded and analyzed in NVivo. Responses to questions about ideas to increase adolescent DMI were reviewed and sorted into categories and themes.

Results: There were five themes: (1) adolescents need to understand their condition and regimen, (2) adolescents and parents should prepare before the visit, (3) clinicians and adolescents should have one-on-one time, (4) opportunities for condition-specific peer support would be helpful, and (5) clinicians and parents should engage in specific communication behaviors.

Discussion: Findings from this study highlight potential clinician-, parent-, and adolescent-focused strategies for enhancing adolescent DMI. Clinicians, parents, and adolescents may need specific guidance on how to enact new behaviors.

Keywords: Chronic disease; adolescent; decision-making; health personnel.