Pediatric Informatics: Computer Applications in Child Health (Health ...

46 D.M.N. Paperny
Behavioral risk data
Harm exposures
� Abuse (physical, sexual)
� Bullying
� Firearms
� Suicide attempts, self mutilation
� Bike helmet use
Automotive
� Seat belt
� Driving while intoxicated, driving with someone who is intoxicated
� Mobile and cellular communication use while driving
� Speeding and racing
Substance use and abuse
Nutrition and eating behaviors
Diet (caloric and fat intake, in conjunction with physical activity)
Eating disorders
Physical activity
Caloric expenditure (in conjunction with diet)
Sports activities and performance enhancement
Media use and abuse
Displacement time from other activities
Exposure to sexual, violent, or harmful media content
Online exposure to predators, and access to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
The clinical paradigm shift from pediatric disease/intervention to adolescent prevention/
health-promotion places a greater emphasis on targeted social/behavioral morbidities
and on risky behaviors. Technology must be able to focus on both preventive and interventional
aspects of care and to assess and document the severity of morbidities.
5.4 Opportunities, Barriers and Threats
5.4.1 Maintaining Confidentiality
Assurance of confidentiality concerning sexuality, alcohol and substance abuse and
mental health with parents, teachers, and authorities is a major issue and barrier
in adolescent health care. Analyses of costs that result when teens don’t seek care
because a health care program does not provide appropriate confidential health
services estimate annual costs $611 per teen. 6 Although access to care may be
available, their concern about loss of confidentiality may be too high for teens to
seek timely care.