A training session designed and delivered by a young research group is helping to shape the way junior doctors communicate with young people about their health at the Great North Children’s Hospital.
Members of the research group Young Person’s Advisory Group North England (YPAGne) delivered an interactive Zoom session to a group of 22 junior doctors to discuss some of the challenges felt by young people whilst
accessing healthcare.
The session used live discussions, role play and anonymous chat channels and also gave junior doctors the opportunity to express some of their own worries, such as how to approach sensitive topics such as drug use and sexual history with young people.
The session has been praised for being an open, honest and respectful insight into how to provide a better health care experience for young adults.
Funded by the Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation, YPAGne allows young people to have a voice in health care and research. The group usually meets once a month to review many different types of research aimed at children and young people.
Dr Neil Davidson – YPAGne Medical Lead and Consultant General Paediatrician, said:
When we were first approached to deliver an adolescent-focused training session to paediatric trainees we felt the only way to do this successfully was through co-design with young people.
Dr Neil Davidson YPAGne Medical Lead and Consultant General Paediatrician
“The members of the YPAGne spent several months crafting the education session over spring and summer. They drew not only on the needs of the trainees but also their personal experiences of interacting with health professionals and their own healthcare priorities. It became clear early on in the process that YPAGne members wanted to be involved in delivering the session.
“COVID-19 and lockdown brought challenges, but also opportunities and we built the training session using digital platforms such as Zoom and Google Suite. The session itself was delivered almost entirely by the young people. Feedback from all involved has been exceptional.”
He added: “Our Junior doctors embraced the content and innovative nature of the session and have fed back that their interactions with young people had made this one of their best ever educational experiences.
“Our novel blend of collaborative technology use had helped to bridge any perceived gaps in learning online rather than face to face.
“As leaders of this project, we found the YPAGne members dedication and creativity to be an inspiration. This whole project demonstrates how, through innovation and meaningful engagement, we can enable the next generation to creatively overcome the challenges we are all currently facing.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about YPAGne can contact Jo Ball by emailing [email protected] ,visit the website @ypagne.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @YPAGNE
