How does Teen Clinic work?
At Teen Clinic, a Practice Nurse is available during the week for drop-in consults. Teens may attend for STI screening, contraception advice, relationship concerns, mental health issues or general health and education. The nurse’s role is to be a soft entry point to triage the teenagers, provide initial screening and/or health education and refer to other service providers as needed.GP support is available for Teen Clinic teenagers with appointments reserved for those who may need to see a doctor for a longer, more complex health issue.
If there is an on-site Mental Health Worker they would also have an appointment reserved for Teen Clinic attendees so that any referrals can be acted on promptly. Practices without an on-site Mental Health Worker are encouraged to build and maintain strong relationships with local mental health providers who are sympathetic to the Teen Clinic model and understand the need for young people to access their services in a timely manner.
All teens are encouraged to discuss their Teen Clinic visit with their parents/guardians and are encouraged to follow up with their usual GP to ensure there is continuity of care.
No appointment is necessary and there are no out of pocket expenses for the teenagers.
Drop-in
The drop-in nature within a General Practice environment requires the whole practice to look differently at the way they approach patient care. This includes having accommodating and adaptable reception staff as well as practitioners who are supportive and understanding of the issues young people present with.
The drop-in model also makes practices think about how they are utilising their nurse time. If nobody attends Teen Clinic for that day, the nurse is able to complete other non-clinical tasks therefore making efficient use of the allocated time.
Nurse-led clinic
Having a nurse-led clinic is an exciting opportunity for nurses to maximise their scope of practice and increase job satisfaction. The nurses in Teen Clinic are a supportive link in allowing our young people to become educated health care users.
The Teen Clinic nurse takes responsibility for following up STI screening and reviews using the recall systems in place within the practice. Policies are in place to ensure those teenagers at risk are followed up appropriately.
Nurses are required to attend essential training on a range of topics such as sexual health, mental health, suicide prevention, LGBTQI and community education.
Community engagement
The success of this model is based on building trust and relationships within the community. This is achieved by consulting with local stakeholders such as teachers and counsellors, youth workers, community health, sexual health workers, family support services, psychologists, women’s and children’s services, job placement agencies and other general practices in the area.
Teen Clinic Nurses are required to attend local youth events, high school presentations as well as general community events to raise awareness of Teen Clinic within their community. This helps build support and engagement from local teachers, school counsellors and students.
Teen Clinic is a place where teachers and parents are happy to recommend young people go for support, but most importantly somewhere that the youth in our towns feel welcomed and safe.
What is Teen Clinic?
What people are saying about Teen Clinic
How is Teen Clinic funded?
About Teen Clinic Australia
At Teen Clinic, a Practice Nurse is available during the week for drop-in consults. Teens may attend for STI screening, contraception advice, relationship concerns, mental health issues or general health and education. The nurse’s role is to be a soft entry point to triage the teenagers, provide initial screening and/or health education and refer to other service providers as needed.GP support is available for Teen Clinic teenagers with appointments reserved for those who may need to see a doctor for a longer, more complex health issue.
If there is an on-site Mental Health Worker they would also have an appointment reserved for Teen Clinic attendees so that any referrals can be acted on promptly. Practices without an on-site Mental Health Worker are encouraged to build and maintain strong relationships with local mental health providers who are sympathetic to the Teen Clinic model and understand the need for young people to access their services in a timely manner.
All teens are encouraged to discuss their Teen Clinic visit with their parents/guardians and are encouraged to follow up with their usual GP to ensure there is continuity of care.
No appointment is necessary and there are no out of pocket expenses for the teenagers.
Drop-in
The drop-in nature within a General Practice environment requires the whole practice to look differently at the way they approach patient care. This includes having accommodating and adaptable reception staff as well as practitioners who are supportive and understanding of the issues young people present with.
The drop-in model also makes practices think about how they are utilising their nurse time. If nobody attends Teen Clinic for that day, the nurse is able to complete other non-clinical tasks therefore making efficient use of the allocated time.
Nurse-led clinic
Having a nurse-led clinic is an exciting opportunity for nurses to maximise their scope of practice and increase job satisfaction. The nurses in Teen Clinic are a supportive link in allowing our young people to become educated health care users.
The Teen Clinic nurse takes responsibility for following up STI screening and reviews using the recall systems in place within the practice. Policies are in place to ensure those teenagers at risk are followed up appropriately.
Nurses are required to attend essential training on a range of topics such as sexual health, mental health, suicide prevention, LGBTQI and community education.
Community engagement
The success of this model is based on building trust and relationships within the community. This is achieved by consulting with local stakeholders such as teachers and counsellors, youth workers, community health, sexual health workers, family support services, psychologists, women’s and children’s services, job placement agencies and other general practices in the area.
Teen Clinic Nurses are required to attend local youth events, high school presentations as well as general community events to raise awareness of Teen Clinic within their community. This helps build support and engagement from local teachers, school counsellors and students.
Teen Clinic is a place where teachers and parents are happy to recommend young people go for support, but most importantly somewhere that the youth in our towns feel welcomed and safe.
What is Teen Clinic?
What people are saying about Teen Clinic
How is Teen Clinic funded?
About Teen Clinic Australia