Questionnaire for teachers changes the outcome of school entrance medical examinations.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of a teachers' questionnaire on the outcome of school entrance medical examinations (SEMs).


METHODS
Retrospective audit. Routine SEMs in 17 primary schools before and after the introduction of the questionnaire.


RESULTS
Primary outcome was teachers' concerns known to school doctors, which increased from 2% of pupils to 27% (P < 0.001). Secondary outcome measures increased significantly: new diagnoses made by school doctors (22-31%, P = 0.038) and follow-ups arranged (8-15%, P = 0.034). Medical or educational intervention was required in 17% of pupils identified by teachers' concerns over the subsequent 3 years. Used as an adjunct for selection for SEMs, the questionnaire would have reduced the number of children with problems overlooked by 60%.


CONCLUSIONS
The questionnaire improves communication between teachers and school doctors. It significantly changed the short- and longer-term outcome of SEMs. The teachers' questionnaire provides a useful adjunct for selection for SEMs.
Theilen
U
U
Lothian University Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 1 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LF, UK. ulftheilen@doctors.org.uk
Bank-Theilen
S C
SC
Dunhill
Z M
ZM
Hammond
H F
HF
D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D005178:Faculty / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D010808:Physical Examination; D011996:Records; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom