The BC Pediatric Society recently surveyed pediatricians in regard to their role in schools.  We were interested to know how pediatricians are linked to schools and what supports they would find helpful in doing this work.

• 73% (118) of those currently practicing whose practice includes working with schools and/or caring for students who are experiencing school problems and/or learning difficulties

Of these 118 pediatricians:

• Almost all (96%) assess school aged children/youth who are experiencing school problems and/or learning difficulties (76% frequently and 20% occasionally). The remainder do not, although 1% noted/agreed they would if they had more skills/training.
• One-in-two meet or consult with school staff:
• 52% meet with school based teams to discuss patients
• 51% act as a consultant to a school – most for their own patients only (44%) – but some also for other patients in addition to their own (7%)

Base: 118 currently practicing pediatricians whose practice includes working with schools and/or caring for students who are experiencing school problems and/or learning difficulties

Of the 44 (27%) pediatricians not already doing school based work:

• 30% (13) would or might be interested in doing so (9% and 21% respectively). The remaining 70% would not be interested in doing so at all.

These 13 pediatricians not already doing school based work but interested in doing so, consider the following to be important in their becoming more engaged with schools in their community:

• Level of compensation for this type of work (11)
• Adequate training for school-based work (10)
• Opportunities to participate in team-based care with schools (9)