Nursing inputs to special schools in N. Ireland

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Special Education Healthcare
• School Health Services

Background:

• Children in special schools frequently have complex healthcare requirements.
• Ongoing medical and nursing support is crucial for these students.
• The role of nursing in special education settings requires clear definition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nature of contact between special schools and nursing services.
• To identify the specific functions fulfilled by nurses in these educational environments.
• To understand the current provision of nursing care in special schools.

Main Methods:

• Conducted two postal surveys targeting special schools in Northern Ireland.
• Collected data from 42 special school principals.
• Gathered information from 11 Health and Social Service Trusts overseeing nursing services.

Main Results:

• Nurses were based in only 9 out of 42 surveyed special schools.
• The majority of schools utilized various visiting nursing services.
• Nurses performed direct patient care, provided advice, and trained school staff.

Conclusions:

• Special schools exhibit varied models of nursing support, with a significant reliance on visiting nurses.
• There is a need for further research to delineate specific nursing needs of special school pupils.
• Evaluating the effectiveness and coordination of nursing services within schools is essential.