Abstract
Young people around the world have increasingly complex health needs. Concurrently, adolescence is an important time in young peoples' lives for their biological, psychosocial and emotional development. Therefore, equitable access to safe and acceptable healthcare is essential. The school-based nurse (SBN) is in a unique position to provide comprehensive support and interventions for young people in secondary schools. However, there is a lack of research engaging SBNs to understand the facilitators and barriers they experience. This research aimed to ask SBNs about their experiences using the HEeADSSS assessment, the referral process and the ability to assess young people for risk of developing prediabetes and/or type 2 diabetes.
Qualitative descriptive methodology was chosen to address the research aim. A focus group using the nominal group technique was conducted with four SBN participants. This technique allows for data collection and data analysis to be completed during the focus group with the participants.
The findings revealed both positive and negative aspects to using the HEeADSSS assessment tool for school-based nursing. While it appears to be useful to get to know students, it's content may not be relevant to young people. The findings from this research highlight challenges that SBNs face. There is a lack of services available for SBNs to refer to when young people require additional support. Further, there is confusion regarding the referral and parental consent processes. It is recommended that further research is conducted to engage with SBNs and young people to inform service provision for the future.