# Reframing ‘chronic conditions’ in adolescent health: why terminology matters for person-centred and equitable care

## TL;DR

This paper argues that using the term 'long-term health conditions' instead of 'chronic conditions' can lead to better, more person-centered care for adolescents.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a novel conceptual distinction between 'chronic conditions' and 'long-term health conditions' and their implications for adolescent health care.

## Key findings

- The terms 'chronic conditions' and 'long-term health conditions' are not conceptually equivalent.
- Terminology shapes how adolescent health is framed in policy and practice.
- Reframing terminology can support more equitable and person-centered care for adolescents.

## Abstract

The terms chronic health conditions and long-term health conditions are often used interchangeably, yet they carry distinct conceptual emphases. Chronic health conditions typically prioritise ongoing medical management reflecting a predominantly biomedical and adult-centred care logic. In contrast, long-term health conditions foreground the enduring consequences of illness for an individual’s development and wellbeing across the life course. This debate examines the implications of these terms, particularly for adolescent health, arguing that persistent reliance on adult-centred biomedical framings obscures developmental, relational and contextual dimensions of care. Intentional reframing of terminology in policy, research and practice can support adolescent-centred, developmentally appropriate approaches that extend beyond disease control to encompass physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Such a shift has implications for the design of interventions, service delivery and policy frameworks, enabling healthcare systems to better support adolescents’ needs and their transition to adulthood. While adolescence provides a critical lens, this reframing holds relevance across the life course by strengthening person-centred approaches to care.

Main findings: The paper demonstrates that the terms chronic conditions and long-term health conditions are not conceptually equivalent and that their use carries important implications for how adolescent health is framed in policy, research and practice.Added knowledge: This paper clarifies the conceptual distinctions between chronic conditions and long-term health conditions, showing how terminology shapes adolescent health framing, identity, inclusion of mental health and models of care.Global health impact for policy and action: Adopting terminology that reflects developmental and contextual realities can support more equitable, person-centred policies and service delivery models. Such reframing has the potential to improve adolescent wellbeing and contribute to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Main findings: The paper demonstrates that the terms chronic conditions and long-term health conditions are not conceptually equivalent and that their use carries important implications for how adolescent health is framed in policy, research and practice.

Added knowledge: This paper clarifies the conceptual distinctions between chronic conditions and long-term health conditions, showing how terminology shapes adolescent health framing, identity, inclusion of mental health and models of care.

Global health impact for policy and action: Adopting terminology that reflects developmental and contextual realities can support more equitable, person-centred policies and service delivery models. Such reframing has the potential to improve adolescent wellbeing and contribute to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.