Recent research carried out on behalf of Walk the Talk found that many primary care practitioners in Scotland are already recognising there is a need to find new ways of engaging with younger patients. This is very encouraging, and Walk the Talk intends to facilitate sharing of ideas to replicate good practice across the country. You can find some examples of such work in our Case studies section.

However, service provision for young people can be patchy. According to the survey of primary care professionals, there is considerable variation in the priority given to younger patients:

• only a small minority of practitioners (13%) were found to be providing a highly tailored level of service. Most of these were driven by the motivation of practitioners who have a strong individual interest in working with young people
• more than half of practitioners (52%) surveyed were providing an 'ad hoc' level of service, with some targeted services and outreach health promotion activity, and good links to specialist services
• a significant number of practitioners (35%) indicated that they made little or no allowances for younger patients, and had a low awareness of young people as a priority group.

However, there was an overwhelming consensus in favour of learning more about young people's needs:

• 81% of practitioners agreed they could improve their knowledge
• 89% agreed that information and guidance on improving the service they offer young people would be valued
• 82% agreed they would appreciate training.

We hope you will find the resources in this section useful when reviewing the services you provide to young people.