title: Adolescents and young adults on the acute medical unit: how might we do it better?
abstract: It is a common perception that young people do not become ill and do not pose a challenge in the unscheduled healthcare setting. The research, however, increasingly suggests that young adults and adolescents (YAAs) are a highly vulnerable group, with poorer outcomes than either older adults or children, and distinct healthcare needs. The acute medical unit (AMU) setting poses particular challenges to the care of this patient group. To improve care and patient experience, adult clinicians need to look critically at their services and seek to adapt them to meet the needs of YAAs. This requires cooperation and linkage with local paediatric and emergency services, as well as the input of other relevant stakeholder groups. Staff on AMUs also need to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to communicate effectively and address the developmental and health needs of YAAs and their parents/carers at times of high risk and stress.
authors.affiliation: Acute Medical Unit, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK.
authors.forename: Lorraine
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Albon
authors.affiliation: Northwest London CLAHRC, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK louella.vaughan@chelwest.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Louella
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vaughan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescents; acute medical units; age-appropriate care; young adults