Interdisciplinary teamwork in a school-based health center

Abstract

The goal of school-based health centers (SBHCs) is to provide culturally competent primary, preventive, and mental health care services for students who otherwise may not have access to care. Often, an SBHC is the primary health care provider for students because many adolescents are uninsured or lack access to other health care service providers. At other times, the SBHC works in collaboration with primary care providers and other health professionals to provide health care services for students and their families. Complex health and social problems and changes in professional practice make it impossible to serve clients effectively without collaborating with professionals from other disciplines. One process used in SBHCs to assure that students' needs and concerns are addressed is an interdisciplinary case review (ICR). The ICR is a method of evaluating complex cases with members of the health care team to ensure that the physical and mental health and social needs of students are meeting or exceeding the standard of care.