The Initial Reproductive Health Visit: ACOG Committee Opinion Summary, Number 811.

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  • Source:
    Obstetrics and gynecology [Obstet Gynecol] 2020 Oct; Vol. 136 (4), pp. 868-869.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 0401101 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1873-233X (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00297844 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Obstet Gynecol Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: 2004- : Hagerstown, MD : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
      Original Publication: New York.
    • Subject Terms:
      Adolescent Health Services*/ethics ; Adolescent Health Services*/organization & administration ; Preventive Health Services*/ethics ; Preventive Health Services*/methods ; Reproductive Health*/education ; Reproductive Health*/ethics; Gynecology/*methods ; Obstetrics/*methods; Adolescent ; Adolescent Behavior ; Adolescent Health ; Female ; Humans ; Sex Education/methods ; Sexual Behavior ; United States
    • Abstract:
      The primary goal of the initial reproductive health visit is to provide preventive health care services, educational information, and guidance, in addition to problem-focused care. The initial reproductive health visit should take place between the ages of 13 and 15 years. The scope of the initial visit will depend on the patient's concerns, medical history, physical and emotional development, and the level of care the patient is receiving from other health care professionals. All adolescents should have the opportunity to discuss health issues with a health care professional one-on-one, because they may feel uncomfortable talking about these issues in the presence of a parent or guardian, sibling, or intimate partner. Addressing confidentiality concerns is imperative because adolescents in need of health care services are more likely to forego care if there are concerns about confidentiality. Laws regarding confidentiality of care to minors vary by state, and health care professionals should be knowledgeable about current laws for their practice. Taking care to establish secure lines of communication can build trust with the patient and guardian, support continuity of care, ensure adherence to legal statutes, and decrease barriers to services. Obstetrician-gynecologists have the opportunity to serve as educators of parents and guardians about reproductive health issues. Preparing the office environment to include adolescent-friendly and age-appropriate reading materials, intake forms, and educational visual aids can make the general office space more inclusive and accessible. Resources should be provided for both the adolescent patient and the parent or guardian, if possible, at the conclusion of the visit. This Committee Opinion has been updated to include gender neutral terminology throughout the document, counseling topics with direct links to helpful resources, screening tools with direct links, addition of gender and sexuality discussion, and inclusion of trauma-informed care.
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20200925 Date Completed: 20201130 Latest Revision: 20201130
    • Publication Date:
      20231215
    • Accession Number:
      10.1097/AOG.0000000000004095
    • Accession Number:
      32976376