Outreach youth health service in school setting: a retrospective case study

Abstract

This case study documents the journey of an outreach youth clinic from its inception to its current practice. It reviews the barriers and enablers to attending the outreach youth clinic as well as determining the health concerns that have prompted young people to access the service. A case study method was applied to review agency evaluation reports and open-ended feedback surveys completed by service users. An ongoing reflective health practitioner’s journal was also kept by the clinicians. The results identify sexual and reproductive health, and mental health, as the main concerns for which young people seek help. Additionally, confidentiality and privacy issues are of concern, while parental and caregiver’s understanding acts as an enabler for young people to obtain better health. Multi-agency collaboration is highlighted while the significance of a robust connection between the collaborating services and leadership from the school is also recognised. The outreach youth clinic is providing a youth-specific service that has had good utilisation. However, a solid collaboration with the school and the community health sector is crucial if a service such as this is to be maintained and sustained.