The impact of nursing and pharmacy teams in school, based health programs: Review

Abstract

Background: Access to healthcare for adolescents, particularly in the domains of sexual and reproductive health and mental health, remains a critical global challenge. School-Based Health Centres (SBHCs) have emerged as effective venues for providing necessary health services to underserved youth. Methods: This review systematically analyzed literature from various databases, including PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL, focusing on studies published from 1990 to 2012. The search utilized keywords related to school-based health care and targeted adolescent health outcomes. Results: The findings indicate that SBHCs significantly improve access to essential health services, with a notable increase in the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among female students. However, access for male students remains limited. The presence of SBHCs has been associated with higher rates of preventive healthcare utilization, including screenings for sexually transmitted infections and mental health support. Despite these benefits, many adolescents still report unmet health needs, particularly in mental health care. Conclusion: The integration of nursing and pharmacy teams within SBHCs is crucial for enhancing service delivery and addressing the health needs of adolescents. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of these programs are necessary to optimize their effectiveness and ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all students. Future research should focus on identifying barriers to service utilization and developing strategies to engage underrepresented populations.