Adolescents' Preferences for Primary Care Provider Interactions

PURPOSE: Adolescents receive less primary care than other age groups. One reason may be the negative ways that providers sometimes interact with adolescents. The purpose was to develop knowledge regarding adolescents' preferences for provider interactions. DESIGN AND METHODS: Design was descriptive and mixed method. Donabedian's healthcare quality model guided the study. Data were collected via focus groups and a survey. RESULTS: Twenty-four adolescents participated. Four themes described their preferences: forming a relationship, supporting independence, assuring confidentiality, and conveying caring. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Care that is congruent with adolescents' preferences may improve quality of, and access to, care and, ultimately, health outcomes.