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KEY DATA 2021

Use of health services

Good outcomes for young people rely on youth friendly health services – from community based health promotion through to NHS inpatient care.

Around two thirds of year 10 pupils had visited the doctors in the last six months

Use of primary care and community clinics

Young people access their GPs regularly for a wide range of health issues. Generally it is estimated that young people visit the GP several times a year. In their teens this averages out at approximately twice a year for young men and more than four times for young women (HSCIC, 2009), although we note that these data are now very old and need updating. Both the Exeter Schools Health Unit ‘Young People into 2018’ study and the Health Behaviour in School aged Children (HBSC) study provide more up to date estimates of the time since last visit to the doctor (Balding and Regis, 2020; Brooks et al, 2020). Chart 7.3 shows the data from the ‘Young people into 2020’ study, where 60% of Year 10 pupils (aged 14-15) reported that they had visited within the last six months.

Around two thirds of year 10 pupils have visited the doctor in the last six months

96% of 16-24 year olds are registered with a GP in England

The majority of young people aged 16-24 are registered with primary care. Data in Chart 7.4 show this age group has similarly high rates of visiting general practice.

 

 

 

Nearly two thirds of 16-24 year olds had an appointment with their GP in the last year

Several surveys regularly ask young people about their experiences in primary care. Chart 7.5 shows that young people age 13-15 generally report positive experiences with their GP but are less likely to feel comfortable talking about personal things.

Overall the findings highlight the importance of supporting GPs to provide youth friendly services. Secondary analysis of the Health Behaviour in School aged Children  data has shown that poor experience on any of the measures was associated with increased risk of self-harm and sleeping problems (Yassaee et al, 2017). 

5 Young people age 13-15 generally report positive experiences with their GP, but are less likely to feel able to talk about personal things

Experiences of young people aged 16-24 are assessed in NHS patient surveys, and Chart 7.6 shows that ratings of confidence, trust and being listened to were generally high. However, experiences relating to practicalities and the convenience of visiting general practices were rated as lower. 

Young people age 16-24 generally report positive experiences with their GP

We have previously noted the dearth of more up to date and detailed information about young people’s usage of primary health care services and further research is still needed. We also need more research on how the service changes induced the pandemic have particularly affected young people, with more on-line consultations than visits in person (RCPCH, 2020).

Social prescribing is of much interest currently. GPs and others can prescribe to community based activities such as health clubs. There is little evidence into the effectiveness of social prescribing in CYP services. However the evidence base on social prescribing for children and young people is still in its infancy (Hayes et al, 2020).

All data correct as of 1st November 2021

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