Scott A Davis1, Imelda Coyne2, Delesha M Carpenter3, Kathleen C Thomas4, Charles Lee5, Nacire Garcia3, Betsy Sleath6. 1. Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Electronic address: sdavis81@email.unc.edu. 2. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. 3. Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 4. Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Division of Research, University of North Carolina Health Sciences at Mountain Area Health Education Center, Asheville, North Carolina. 5. Alexor LLC, Morrisville, North Carolina. 6. Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Adolescents experience challenges managing their chronic conditions, partly owing to limited involvement in medical visits. Because adolescents are "digital natives," providing a specific Web site with educational resources may support better adolescent-provider communication. Our purpose was to determine adolescents' opinions about a health communication-focused Web site. METHODS: Sixty English-speaking adolescents aged 11-17 years with a chronic health condition (mean age: 13.3 years; SD 1.9) were enrolled at a pediatric clinic in rural North Carolina. RESULTS: Adolescents most commonly accessed YouTube and Google for online health information. Nearly all adolescents supported the creation of a Web site and resources on how to communicate with their healthcare provider. Adolescents most often wanted to talk to specialists about their health and to pharmacists about their medications. CONCLUSIONS: A Web site and educational resources are currently being codeveloped with adolescents. It is essential that we find ways to engage adolescents in their healthcare management.
PURPOSE: Adolescents experience challenges managing their chronic conditions, partly owing to limited involvement in medical visits. Because adolescents are "digital natives," providing a specific Web site with educational resources may support better adolescent-provider communication. Our purpose was to determine adolescents' opinions about a health communication-focused Web site. METHODS: Sixty English-speaking adolescents aged 11-17 years with a chronic health condition (mean age: 13.3 years; SD 1.9) were enrolled at a pediatric clinic in rural North Carolina. RESULTS: Adolescents most commonly accessed YouTube and Google for online health information. Nearly all adolescents supported the creation of a Web site and resources on how to communicate with their healthcare provider. Adolescents most often wanted to talk to specialists about their health and to pharmacists about their medications. CONCLUSIONS: A Web site and educational resources are currently being codeveloped with adolescents. It is essential that we find ways to engage adolescents in their healthcare management.