Bridging the Gap: Supporting Young People in Adult Healthcare
Member price :$0.00
Non-Member Price: $25.00
Presenter: Mrs Amanda McGregor1, Ms Catriona Smith1
1Mater Hospital Brisbane, Brisbane, Australia
Date of Presentation 28th October 2016
Aim
To deliver dedicated health care services for young people aged 16-25 years in a metropolitan adult hospital, which addresses the developmental needs of this population and their families and reduces the risk of them becoming lost to healthcare follow-up and adverse health outcomes. The aim of this unit is to change practice of how young adults are cared for in the future.
Method
With a vision to provide excellence in transition from paediatric services, care during the adolescent and young adult period and subsequent transition to adult services, this mainstream adult hospital service features innovative care models for patients and their families. Young adults with a range of acute and chronic conditions are supported clinically and have easy access to emotional / mental health care, alcohol and drug treatment, and educational and vocational training opportunities. An active youth consultancy group has, and continues to provide valuable insight into the needs of young people accessing healthcare services. This unit has been developed due to recognition that young adult health care has not improved in the last decade.
Results
While still a ‘new’ service, the last 18 months have provided challenges and learnings for health care managers, clinicians and consumers. We will explore the leadership and educational requirements around opening a new young adult service; including a dedicated mixed medical / surgical inpatient unit and building a team that is change agile and responds innovatively to patients’ needs. Data covering patient satisfaction, occupancy rates and DRGs and the results of two recent projects supporting the continued development of young adult services, will also be shared. Due to change in nursing environment and development in new models of care for young people it is hoped that this unit will be the leader in best practice of caring and engaging with young patient to improve health care outcome.
Conclusions
While travelling this road with the young people receiving our care, we have been privileged to learn with them and plan for future needs. The aim of this unit is to change the face of caring for young people into the future by engaging with this group in a new and innovative way.