Motivating Pediatricians to Become Involved in
School Health

In 1994, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) showed that only 22% of AAP pediatricians were currently working with school health programs, but more than 70% wanted to become involved. Only 25% believed they were adequately prepared.

The purpose of this presentation is 1) to introduce the concept of coordinated school health programs and 2) to encourage pediatricians to become involved in that aspect of school health program that is of most interest to them.

This presentation will review the history and scope of school health and discuss the different roles for pediatricians. Participants will gain a better understanding of school culture and discuss how to get in and get started in the schools in their community. The business and reimbursement aspects of a pediatrician's involvement in school health will also be discussed.

SLIDE I-1

A. HISTORY OF SCHOOL HEALTH

  1. The 1800s
  2. Early 1900s
  3. Mid-1900s
  4. Recent Decades

B. GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOL HEALTH

  1. Federal Government
  2. State Government
  3. Local Government and School Districts

C. SCOPE OF SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAMS

  1. Components of School Health Programs
  2. Correlation Between Health and Education

D. THE PEDIATRICIAN'S ROLE IN SCHOOL HEALTH

E. THE SEVEN SKILLS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH PEDIATRICIANS

F. UNDERSTANDING SCHOOL CULTURE

  1. Differences in the Educational and Health Care Systems
  2. General Guidelines for Pediatricians Working With Schools
  3. Working With School Personnel

G. GETTING STARTED IN SCHOOL HEALTH

H. THE BUSINESS OF SCHOOL HEALTH

  1. Defining Parameters of Involvement
  2. Preparing an Action Plan

I. SUMMARY

RESOURCES