The Healthy Learner Model for Student Chronic Condition Management—Part I

Abstract

A significant number of children have chronic health conditions that interfere with normal activities, including school attendance and active participation in the learning process. Management of students' chronic conditions is complex and requires an integrated system. Models to improve chronic disease management have been developed for the medical system and public health. Programs that address specific chronic disease management or coordinate school health services have been implemented in schools. Lacking is a comprehensive, integrated model that links schools, students, parents, health care, and other community providers. The Healthy Learner Model for chronic condition management identifies seven elements for creating, implementing, and sustaining an efficient and effective, comprehensive community-based system for improving the management of chronic conditions for school children. It has provided the framework for successful chronic condition management in an urban school district and is proposed for replication in other districts and communities.

School Reentry for Children With Cancer: Perceptions of Nurses, School Personnel, and Parents

“…Statistical results from this study supported findings from previous research regarding the provision of inconsistent services and support for school reentry (Armstrong, 2005;Erickson et al, 2006;Kaffenberger, 2006a;Moore & Beckwitt, 2003) and poor communication between health care and school service providers (Prevatt et al, 2000), and the lack of school reentry programs designed to facilitate the student's return to school (Prevatt et al, 2000).…”

A Collaborative Approach to Diabetes Management

“…Maintain the student's confidentiality and right to privacy. critical to build capacity and sustain programming (Erickson et al, 2006).…”

Diabetes Management at School

“…Capacity building, the third element in the Healthy Learner Model, is essential to ensure that school nurses can implement and sustain evidence-based diabetes management strategies at school (Erickson et al, 2006a). Building capacity included development and introduction of the role of the diabetes resource nurse to enhance diabetes expertise of the practicing school nurse, participation in community diabetes coalitions, surveillance and involvement with school policies related to diabetes management, and participation in ongoing program evaluation.…”

“…The chronic disease resource nurse is a vital role to the success of the Healthy Learner Model (Erickson et al, 2006a). The diabetes resource nurse was also considered a key component to the MAP program.…”