Benefits of a school-based health center in a preschool

Although school-based health centers (SBHCs) deliver health care to vulnerable children, their effectiveness has not been well documented. This study compared the benefits of an SBHC with a School Health Survey and selected HEDIS measures in preschool children with and without access to an SBHC. Preschoolers with access to an SBHC (N = 130) and preschoolers without access (N = 131) were compared on (a) HEDIS measures including well-child care, immunizations, dental care, and smoke exposure; (b) measures of access and use of physical and mental health services; (c) satisfaction with health care; (d) barriers and facilitators to care; and (e) health insurance. Significant differences were found in parents' perceptions of children's physical and emotional health, self-esteem, incidence of behavioral problems, difficulty in obtaining care, number of hospitalizations, and satisfaction with care received. Findings suggest that holistic services provided by an SBHC positively impact the health of vulnerable preschool children.