Technology Key to Identifying High-Risk Behaviors Among Adolescents

According to a new study conducted by researchers at the Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practices in The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, technology may be the key to identifying high-risk behaviors among adolescents.

Injury risk, depressive symptoms and drug and alcohol use are the leading causes of adolescent morbidity and mortality; yet pediatricians often lack the time to screen for these behavioral concerns. This paradox of care is the motivation behind a new study, which found adolescents who participated in computerized screening with real-time results were more likely to be identified as having a problem by their pediatrician than adolescents whose screening results were delayed.