SCHOOL-BASED CLINICS: More Pediatricians Want to Help

      Although only 22% of pediatricians spend time working in a school-based health clinic, more than 70% would like to, according to an article in the current Pediatrics. Researchers surveyed 1,602 fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics and found that more than seven in 10 respondents "wanted to become involved or more involved" with school-based clinics, and "needed information on how they may be able to participate." The main reason physicians cited for their limited participation was lack of time (73%). Most expressed support for comprehensive school-based health education, such as pregnancy prevention (82%), HIV/STD prevention (81%), violence prevention (77%), mental health (56%), counseling (76%), nutrition (65%) and primary care (58%). Twenty-five percent of respondents believed they were adequately qualified and trained to work in a school clinic and 66% "believed school-based clinics were one of the best ways to reach underserved children and adolescents and should include preteens." The survey had a 64.5% response rate (Barnett et al., Pediatrics, 4/99 issue).