GAPS
Also written as: GAPS — Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services
Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services, a comprehensive framework for adolescent healthcare delivery.
Full Definition
GAPS (Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services) is an evidence-based framework developed by the American Medical Association to guide comprehensive preventive healthcare for adolescents aged 11-21 years. The guidelines emphasize annual preventive visits, health guidance, screening for risk behaviors, and immunizations. GAPS promotes a developmentally appropriate approach to adolescent care that addresses both physical and psychosocial health needs while respecting adolescent autonomy and confidentiality requirements.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with HEADSS assessment tool; GAPS refers to overall care guidelines while HEADSS is a specific screening framework.
In Context
- "The clinic implemented GAPS recommendations to improve comprehensive care for adolescent patients." — Quality improvement report
- "Following GAPS guidelines, the provider scheduled annual preventive visits for all teenage patients." — Practice management documentation