About
Adolescence and young adulthood (10-24 yrs) is a life stage
characterised by highly dynamic changes in behaviours (eg substance use) and
states (eg mental health) that influence health in adolescence, later
adulthood, and the next generation. Yet, there is often a gap between the
health issues young people present with and the health issues they experience.
The Health Services for Adolescents research group focuses
on two key areas:
- how
to orientate health services to better meet young people’s health needs
- how
to improve health outcomes for adolescent with complex health conditions,
such as eating disorders, obesity, gender dysphoria and chronic physical
conditions.
We collaborate widely with different research groups,
utilise both qualitative and quantitative methods, and are multidisciplinary in
orientation. Adolescents and young adults comprise over a quarter of the
world’s population (and 32% of RCH admissions). International appreciation that
the health of adolescents has not improved as much as younger children signals
growing international interest in our work.
Current projects
How well are we meeting the psychosocial needs of adolescent
and young adult (AYA) patients? The objective of the study is to use research
to inform the development of a model of care for AYAs with cancer and their
families.
The Eating Disorders Research Program aims to improve
knowledge about effective management of anorexia nervosa and other restrictive
eating disorders in order to develop treatments that give the best chance for recovery.
Special event - Paediatrics 2040: the future of child and adolescent health services
On Wednesday 3rd April 2019, the Centre for Adolescent Health, hosted our inaugural Catalysing Connections for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing networking event at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.The event, titled 'Paediatrics 2040: the future of child and adolescent health services' discussed problems in the provision of quality adolescent health care including the fragmentation in adolescent health services.
Watch and read more about the event here: Paediatrics 2040: the future of child and adolescent health services
Past projects
Adolescent
Friendly Hospital Survey
An
Examination of Inpatient Treatment for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
Australian
CF Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Survey
ChIPS Evaluations Project
Confidentiality with Adolescents
Evidence-based
planning for adolescent-friendly cancer services
Fresh
Air for The Kids (FAFTK)
Health in
Transition
Health
and wellbeing after treatment for cancer
Keeping connected
Psychosocial
Screening in Inpatient Adolescents
Moving
On
Optimising Pathways