Private Conversations Between Pediatricians, Teenage Patients, 'Important,' Opinion Piece Says

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Primary Care / General Practice;  Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 08 Oct 2008 - 10:00 PST

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"When it comes to sexuality and a myriad of other transitional health issues," it is "important" that "developing teens ... see their pediatrician as their personal doctor -- not their mother's or father's," Victoria McEvoy, chief of pediatrics of the Massachusetts General West Medical Group and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, writes in a Boston Globe opinion piece. Although there is no "set script" for pediatricians, an ideal approach to discussing sexuality issues is to ask parents to wait in the waiting room to allow a "one-on-one, teen to doctor, talk," according to McEvoy. This approach establishes a zone of privacy and confidentiality that can be built on in subsequent years, when teens might need help discussing sensitive matters, McEvoy writes, adding that physicians often urge teens to talk to their parents "but many parents have a hard time accepting the sexuality of their children."

However, McEvoy writes that in "today's complicated world, problems can arise," including the requirement of a third-party witness for certain exams and procedures; parental concern about not being present in the exam room; teen apprehension about discussing sexuality; and even with confidentiality, concerns about procedures appearing on billing reports given to parents. The "importance" of these exam room conversations is "underscored by findings on the failure of the abstinence programs promoted in many schools," which "leaves parents and physicians to guide teens about the best, and safest, approach to sexuality," McEvoy writes, adding, "We need to face the facts -- our kids are having sex -- and arm them with information" (McEvoy, Boston Globe, 10/6).

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