How one school-based clinic is meeting the challenge of adolescent health care.
Today's adolescent confronts a host of medical, social, and economic problems that have a significant impact on their lives as well as on society. The teenage population of the North Side area of the city of Pittsburgh is no exception. To address the needs of these teens a school-based clinic was established in one of the city's middle schools. It became known as the Allegheny Middle School/Allegheny General Hospital Wellness Center (AMS/AGH Wellness Center). Located on the school grounds, this clinic remained in operation during school hours. Student interest was obvious as they began using the services provided by the clinic immediately after its establishment. After only 1 school year of operation, nearly 60% of the student body was enrolled. The number of patient visits totaled 1086. Evidence from the literature attesting to the advanced skills, cost effectiveness, and holistic approach to patient care of nurse practitioners led to the selection of a family nurse practitioner as the primary health care provider for the middle school students. Other clinic staff include a part-time physician, ambulatory technician, secretary, and part-time psychiatric social worker. The establishment and operation of the Wellness Center is discussed in this article.
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D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data