Youth doctor largely known by parents.

Youth doctor largely known by parents.

At the end of last year we did a short study about how well people know the work of the youth doctor. This study was made with the GGD-Twente. We work together to use the youth doctor better for children at school. The youth doctor can play an important, independent, and helpful role with school absence, return after illness, and school-related problems.

Youth doctor mostly known

The youth doctor is mostly known by parents. Two thirds of the parents know their child has a youth doctor. Some parents also know who that is, but most parents do not. The survey also shows that about 60% of parents know how to reach the youth doctor or where to find that information. For some parents, the old term “school doctor” is more known.

Role of youth doctor unclear for parents

It turns out that parents do not always know what they can go to the youth doctor for. The questionnaire gave some situations they can discuss with the youth doctor. Not all parents knew exactly what they can go to the youth doctor for. This also applies to school-related problems. Between 60% and 70% of parents only know that they can go to a youth doctor for this.

Contact with the youth doctor

The responses showed that a large group of parents did not want to talk with the youth doctor about most topics. Parents often do not see a benefit in using a youth doctor. If parents want to get in touch, they prefer to call themselves. As many as 68% of parents say this is their choice. And mostly on weekdays; during the day, afternoon, or evening. Parents are divided about the place of contact. Parents like to contact the youth health care building, the school, or the general practitioner’s office. There is also a group of parents who do not find contact with the youth doctor needed. They prefer to contact the care coordinator, the general practitioner, or a specialist.

What do we do with the results?

GGD-Twente is doing research on how we can make the youth doctor’s options clearer for parents. The results from this study among parents help with that. Results from GGD-Twente can then be used nationwide.

Join our parent panel

The study was done among parents from the Landelijk Ouderpanel. A questionnaire was filled by 283 parents with a child in primary school. Would you like to join the talk about your child’s education? Sign up for the Landelijk Ouderpanel and make sure your voice is heard!

Want to know more?

Would you like to know more about this study? Contact Lotte Cats via lotte.cats@oudersonderwijs.nl