Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System conducted a survey to understand how parents managed access to health care for their adolescents and how much autonomy they gave them.
The conclusions of this report published on the university website reveal that for a routine check-up, the majority (96%) of parents reported that their teenagers go to their family doctor. In 89% of cases, parents also attend the visit.
Only 34% of parents let their children speak confidentially with the doctor.
Unresponsive adolescents
This survey also tells us that two-thirds of parents say they fill out medical history forms without involving their teenager. Likewise, 70% of parents make decisions about vaccines without any involvement of their teenager. About 40% of them say they are the only ones to ask the doctor questions, and only 15% trust their teenage child to independently share their physical or emotional problems with the doctor.
“Parents recognize this strong involvement in interactions between the doctor and their adolescent child. However, they should let go of the reins a bit and not lose this precious opportunity to let their teenager take charge of their own health, ”explains Matthew Davis, professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Health System.
Expert recommendations
“Adolescence is a time when independence emerges. Parents often play an important role in giving their teenagers the opportunities to become more independent, ”recalls Matthew Davis.
In this report, experts recommend letting adolescents take the initiative for their medical appointments, complete their medical records, describe their health problems, and ask their own questions.
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