School-Based Health Centers: A Concept Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• School-based health centers (SBHCs) are growing, but a clear conceptual definition is lacking.
• Existing literature shows an increasing impact of SBHCs on student health.
• Conceptual clarity is needed to fully understand and leverage SBHCs.

Approach:

• A systematic review and concept analysis using Walker and Avant's 8-step method was conducted.
• Searches across major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) were performed with no time limit.
• 17 articles were analyzed from an initial pool of 369 to define SBHCs.

Key Points:

• Defining attributes of SBHCs include accessible and advanced practitioners, integrated care, and youth-friendly environments.
• The analysis discusses antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of SBHCs.
• Key characteristics identified contribute to a clearer conceptualization of SBHCs.

Conclusions:

• This concept analysis provides a clear definition and criteria for understanding SBHCs.
• SBHCs show potential as a health service model for advancing health equity.
• A clear conceptualization supports ongoing research and collaboration for SBHCs.