Jones et al described the HEEADSSS assessment of an adolescent requiring long-term anticoagulation. A similar approach can be used to personalize the education of an adolescent or young adult about management of a complex medical condition requiring long-term management. The authors are from the University of Melbourne and Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia
Patient selection: adolescent requiring long-term anticoagulation therapy
Intervention: structured anticoagulation education
Outcomes: better education with greater awareness of barriers and enablers; more personalized care that is relevant to the patient; improved adherence
Structured education is based on the Acronym HEEADSSS:
(H): home
(E): education and employment
(E): eating and exercise
(A): activities with peers
(D): drugs (smoking, alcohol, substance abuse)
(S): sexual activity
(S): suicide and depression
(S): safety (safety gear; violence avoidance)
The intervention should:
(1) recommend lifestyle modifications to avoid or to reduce problems and complications
(2) improve psychosocial well-being
(3) enhance self-management skills and a sense of control
