‘Adolescence is difficult, some kids are difficult’: general practitioner perceptions of working with young people
Carmen Jarrett A C , Ann Dadich B , Fiona Robards A and David Bennett A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
B Centre for Industry and Innovation Studies Research Group, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: carmenj@chw.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 17(1) 54-59 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY10032
Submitted: 26 July 2010 Accepted: 30 November 2010 Published: 16 March 2011
Abstract
General practitioners (GPs) are the health care providers from which young people are most likely to seek help. However, the rate at which young people access GPs is less than ideal. Four focus groups were conducted with groups of GPs in New South Wales to inform the development of a GP training program on youth health. Analysis of the focus group interviews yielded three themes that describe the context in which GPs work with young people, how GPs see young people and their work with them, and GPs’ expressed training preferences. GPs described working with young people as difficult, which in turn suggests that the self-efficacy of GPs may need to be addressed in training and resource development. GPs also described systemic barriers to working with young people that can be addressed through training, advocacy and policy development.
Additional keywords: attitudes, capacity building, general practice, professional development, youth health.
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