Charitable donations to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) can make a world of difference in the lives of children. Every gift helps the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) do great work for child health—like ensuring that young people stay up to date on
recommended immunizations to keep them healthy as they begin to explore the world and become more independent.
Pediatricians talked with teens to gain deeper insights into effective health guidance communication during one of the donor-funded AAP webinars.
One of these efforts focused on better ways for pediatricians to engage teens as they begin to manage their own health care. Using AAP Friends of Children Fund contributions, the AAP Quality Network worked with 15 AAP chapters across the country to increase adolescent immunization rates.
Preventing major health problems
Teen patient
visits and immunization rates have gone down recently in the United States. The
recommended immunizations for teens help prevent major health problems—including infertility, muscle paralysis, brain damage, blindness, deafness and cancer.
Project participants focused on improving communications for pediatric professionals, strengthening strategies for connecting with older teens. The AAP conducted virtual webinar sessions that allowed over 300 pediatricians from 27 states to hear direct feedback from teens about the way they communicate.
Learning to improve communication
The medical providers who participated in the webinars were eager to talk with teens and get solid training on how they could most effectively communicate with adolescent patients. Teens who participated also received educational materials to share with their families.
"This was a wonderful opportunity for teens and health care professionals to learn from one another in a safe space," said one of the pediatricians who participated.
Other pediatrician participants expressed a deepened commitment to helping families understand the importance of helping teens start to take ownership of their health earlier. This can start with discussions about the benefits of one-on-one time with the pediatrician during check-ups with teens, for example. Others said they now recognize the value in asking teens rather than assuming they understand health guidance that is discussed during visits.
This donation-funded program made major progress in ensuring that more teens have
lasting protection against serious diseases while also providing pediatricians with practical, effective communication techniques.
Making a difference
Improving care for children and adolescents, and the best way to deliver those important health messages, gets a meaningful and valuable boost from the kindness of AAP donors. That extra support means a great deal to children and adolescents everywhere.
Learn more about AAP philanthropy and helping the academy make a difference.
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