Research on Clinical Preventive Services for Adolescents and Young Adults: Where Are We and Where Do We Need to Go?

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: We reviewed research regarding system- and visit-level strategies to enhance clinical preventive service delivery and quality for adolescents and young adults. Despite professional consensus on recommended services for adolescents, a strong evidence base for services for young adults, and improved financial access to services with the Affordable Care Act's provisions, receipt of preventive services remains suboptimal. Further research that builds off successful models of linking traditional and community clinics is needed to improve access to care for all youth. To optimize the clinical encounter, promising clinician-focused strategies to improve delivery of preventive services include screening and decision support tools, particularly when integrated into electronic medical record systems and supported by training and feedback. Although results have been mixed, interventions have moved beyond increasing service delivery to demonstrating behavior change. Research on emerging technology-such as gaming platforms, mobile phone applications, and wearable devices-suggests opportunities to expand clinicians' reach; however, existing research is based on limited clinical settings and populations. Improved monitoring systems and further research are needed to examine preventive services facilitators and ensure that interventions are effective across the range of clinical settings where youth receive preventive care, across multiple populations, including young adults, and for more vulnerable populations with less access to quality care.

Source: Journal of Adolescent Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.10.005

Authors: Sion K. Harris, Matthew C. Aalsma, Elissa R. Weitzman, Diego Garcia-Huidobro, Charlene Wong, Scott E. Hadland, John Santelli, M. Jane Park, Elizabeth M. Ozer

Institutions: Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Indiana University School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, University of California, San Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare

Subfield: Speech and Hearing

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,670

Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Health Resources and Services Administration, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Maternal and Child Health Bureau

OpenAlex ID: W2562965878