Adolescent Preferences Regarding a Web Site to Empower Adolescents to Talk With Their Healthcare Providers

Abstract Purpose Adolescents experience challenges managing their chronic conditions, partly owing to limited involvement in medical visits. Because adolescents are “digital natives,” providing a specific Web site with educational resources may support better adolescent-provider communication. Our purpose was to determine adolescents' opinions about a health communication–focused Web site. Methods Sixty English-speaking adolescents aged 11–17 years with a chronic health condition (mean age: 13.3 years; SD 1.9) were enrolled at a pediatric clinic in rural North Carolina. Results Adolescents most commonly accessed YouTube and Google for online health information. Nearly all adolescents supported the creation of a Web site and resources on how to communicate with their healthcare provider. Adolescents most often wanted to talk to specialists about their health and to pharmacists about their medications. Conclusions A Web site and educational resources are currently being codeveloped with adolescents. It is essential that we find ways to engage adolescents in their healthcare management.