The doctor-adolescent relationship

Abstract

Care for the integral health of adolescents requires, besides a solid education concerning their development, their form of falling ill and the therapeutic resources that are available, a capacity to “feel comfortable” in the presence of adolescents and certain experience in the treatment of young people. Consideration is given to the qualities that must be present in care for this age group: availability, visibility, quality, confidentiality, satisfaction, flexibility and co-ordination. We comment on the physical and psychic barriers that hinder access by the adolescent to the health services. Emphasis is placed on confidentiality as a basic tool in the doctor-adolescent relationship, its characteristics (asymmetry and retroactive) are commented upon, and a bioethical frame is established in which respect must be developed for their autonomy, interest for their welfare and application of the principle of justice, offering continuity and helping to decide without accepting moral coercion and from an attitude of self-criticism.