Promoting health literacy in secondary schools: implications for school nurses Presentation to School Nurse International Conference Ann Hagell and Frances Perrow Association for Young People’s Health
What can schools do to promote health literacy and what is the role of school nursing staff? (1) Scoping review of the evidence (2) Focus groups and interviews in three schools
Hagell A, Rigby E and Perrow F (2015) British Journal of School Nursing Vol 10, No.2
Review findings: components of health literacy “the capacity of an individual to obtain, interpret and understand basic health information and services in ways which are health- enhancing” (NCC, 2004) • Understanding health information • Recognising when help is needed • Developing skills to manage risk and make lifestyle choices • Learning how to navigate the system • Developing healthy attitudes towards health issues
Review findings: using schools to promote health literacy • Various methods (input to curriculum, change to school ethos, engagement with families & communities) • Young people need to learn skills AND become empowered to take action • Efforts need to be set within a whole-school approach • Any content needs to be taught well
Review findings: the role of school nursing team • Classroom-based delivery by school nurses • Individual contact with school nurses • Wider outreach and working with outside agencies But school nursing workforce is small and needs to work in partnership with other agencies
Key themes from the focus groups and interviews • Importance of supporting Year 6 & 7 emotional health and wellbeing in transition to secondary school • School nurses seen as a positive factor in reducing anxiety • Need for whole school awareness of school nurse team • Ask how young people prefer to get health information
Some ideas and suggestions on school nurse work • School nurse led health workshops • Schools can commission additional school nurse time • School nurses to deliver PSHE lessons/assembly • Anonymous ways for pupils to contact the school nurse • Promotion of school nurse team in planners and on school website
More info • www.ayph.org.uk • info@youngpeopleshealth.org.uk • Twitter @AYPHcharity • 0207 922 7715
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