Health services in school clinics under the microscope of parents’ evaluation

A number of government school administrations are evaluating the quality of health services provided to students within school clinics, through 14 questions that monitor the opinions of parents, the extent of their satisfaction with these services, and seriously consider their suggestions.

This step comes within the framework of educational institutions’ keenness to enhance students’ health, develop the level of health care within schools, and ensure the provision of a safe and sound educational environment that supports the educational process.

Improving the quality of services
The school health departments said that the preparation of this questionnaire comes out of their commitment to listening to the opinions of parents, and their appreciation for their role as key partners in improving the quality of health services. They indicated in their letter that parents’ opinions and suggestions are an essential element in development plans, and contribute directly to reaching a more efficient health care model that meets the needs of students.

Important topics
The questionnaire, the details of which were reviewed by Emirates Today, included a set of important axes that measure the quality of health services, including the effectiveness of the nurse’s support for students when needed, the clarity of the means of communication between the health staff and parents, and the ease of parents’ access to the nurse when they have any concerns or inquiries related to their children’s health.

The questionnaire includes questions related to the extent of maintaining the confidentiality of health information, the readiness of the health staff to accept and interact with comments, in addition to evaluating the clinic’s efforts in health education and following up on students’ medical conditions.

The questionnaire also assesses the speed of dealing with emergency cases within the school, the extent of the school clinic’s readiness and cleanliness, as well as measuring the level of parents’ confidence in the health services provided. It also allows them to submit development proposals that contribute to improving health performance and raising the level of services available to students.

The details of the questionnaire reflect the schools’ keenness to build an effective partnership with parents, and to enhance communication with them regarding everything related to students’ health, based on the firm conviction that student health is the basis of their success and excellence. Educational administrations also confirm that enhancing the quality of health services is an essential part of the system of developing and improving the school environment.

School health departments called on parents to provide their opinions in a transparent manner, expressing their sincere thanks and appreciation for their active role in supporting the educational process, stressing that their participation in this survey will contribute to improving health services and improving the well-being of students within schools.