Increasing access to health care: a study of pediatric nurse practitioner outcomes in a school-based clinic

Pediatric nurse practitioners in school-based clinics have the potential to overcome access to care barriers for school-age children and their families by providing primary health care and linking these services with existing health and social services in the community. The article reports a study that examined health care delivered by a pediatric nurse practitioner in an elementary school setting and selected indices of access to health care (Medicaid certification; early periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and linkage with existing resources). Findings suggest that greater availability of care may encourage parents to seek early preventive care for their children.