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AAP outlines ways to integrate school-based health centers, medical home
AAP Council on School Health. Pediatrics. 2012;129:387-393.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a policy statement on school-based health centers and the pediatric medical home practice. The statement reviews the opportunities, challenges and recommendations for the integration of these two health care options for children.
The policy statement provides an overview of school-based health centers (SBHCs) and some of their documented benefits, addresses the issue of potential conflict with the medical home and provides recommendations to support the integration and coordination of SBHCs and the pediatric medical home practice.
An estimated 33% of SBHCs are located in high schools, 24% are located in elementary or middle schools and 43% are located in alternative schools or schools with a combination of grade levels.
According to the AAP policy statement, “as SBHCs become more prevalent, pediatricians and other health care providers should be familiar with the role of SBHCs in providing primary care and preventive services to school-aged youth. In addition, it is critical that health care providers working in SBHCs are aware of the importance of supporting the medical home and coordinating care with other primary care providers in the community.”
Disclosure:
- The council members report no relevant financial disclosures