Difference Between Pediatric and Adult Care

Children are at an early stage of development and have unique health requirements. If your child requires medical attention, it is advisable to schedule an appointment for adults and pediatrics Humble, TX. Timely pediatric care addresses health conditions to prevent complications in the future.

Decision-making and parental involvement

One of the primary differences between pediatric and adult care is the patient’s decision-making process. Children may take cues from other people in their surroundings. Information from peers may impact their perception of diagnosis or treatment procedures.

That is why pediatric care requires parental involvement to provide guidance. Parents make the decisions for their children regarding procedures for various conditions. In adult care, the patient makes their decisions determining the treatment process.

Children are often unable to articulate what hurts them, making diagnosis and treatment complicated. They have an inadequate understanding of the situation and reasons for opting for a given treatment.

Children may react emotionally by crying, screaming, or remaining silent despite their pain or concerns. A pediatrician must have excellent interpersonal skills, especially with children.

Approach and objectives of care

Pediatric care focuses on the healthy growth of children, while adult care is maintaining health. Young patients may have unique problems affecting their growth and development. For example, hormonal issues could impact pubertal development.

Some children have a growth hormone deficiency, which impairs height and physiological development. Young patients may also have problems arising from inadequate prenatal care. The baby may be underweight and underdeveloped due to smoking or drinking during pregnancy.

Your child’s pediatrician must have extensive knowledge and experience to diagnose young patients. Pediatricians undergo additional three years of pediatric training after completing undergraduate and medical school.

Specialty and multi-disciplinary system

Pediatric providers also favor a multi-disciplinary approach compared to adult care. They rely on ancillary services to provide optimum care for young patients. Pediatric care units are usually located in hospital settings where the child can access behavioral, medical, and child life therapy.

The approach to therapy is informed by high rates of children experiencing anxiety in hospital settings. Child Life therapy focuses on the psychosocial development of children. It helps infants and adolescents cope with the challenges of receiving care for debilitating illnesses.

Children with serious conditions like leukemia may have problems adapting to hospitalization or managing pain. Pediatrics work with children and their families to educate them about the illness.

Your provider may also explore pain management and coping strategies with parents. Pediatricians recognize the importance of emotional expression for promoting a healthy outlook on the situation. They ask children questions and provide practical approaches to address anxiety.

On the other hand, adult clinics often focus on a limited number of specialties. They refer adult patients to another specialist for support services. Typically it takes a shorter time to treat patients because of few coordination services for chronic conditions.

Benefits of pediatric care

Pediatric care monitors your child’s development and growth. It ensures health conditions are addressed punctually to avoid complications. It also helps young patients cope with their physical and mental well-being.

Contact Calvary Urgent Care to schedule your pediatric consultation today.