Ill or Adolescent? Developing Group Work on an Adolescent Medicine Unit

Abstract

Children with chronic ill health have been reported to be at increased risk of difficulties with psychosocial adjustment, and it is likely that the risk may be exacerbated during adolescence, a turbulent time even without illness. Self-esteem, social communication and stress-management skills have been identified as protective factors. Two groups were designed to enhance these factors among inpatients on a specialist adolescent medicine ward. Outcomes of the groups in relation to meeting the learning aims and the young people’s opinions about the groups are discussed.