Global standards for quality health care services for adolescents

This publication is an updated version of the document published in “2015” under the title “Global standards for quality health-care services for adolescents: a guide to implement a standards-driven approach to improve the quality of health care services for adolescents”, now released under a different title. This updated version reflects the emerging needs and opportunities such as pandemic preparedness, digital health technologies and approaches to self-care. At the same time, it maintains the core quality themes: adolescent empowerment and participation; a non-discriminatory, rights-based approach; evidence-based, competent care; family and community engagement; welcoming environments; and data-driven quality improvement. 

Describing nine global standards, the guidance defines the required level of quality in the delivery of services to the adolescent population (the what) and suggests the strategies and cycles for implementing these standards (the how). By adopting these standards, health systems can better align with adolescents' specific needs, promote their active participation in health care and create environments where young people feel supported to engage fully in their health journey.