Doctors in Secondary Schools: A glimpse into student healthcare and support
Providing dedicated consultation facilities where GPs and Practice Nurses (PNs) deliver bulk-billed on-site primary care for students.
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The Doctors in Secondary Schools (DiSS) program is making significant strides in improving student healthcare and fostering community wellbeing. Now in its seventh year, the initiative aims to enhance student access to primary healthcare, help young people identify and address health problems early, as well as reduce the pressure on working parents/guardians and community-based GPs.
SEMPHN has 19 Victorian government secondary schools participating in the DiSS program. Each school has its own clinic, providing dedicated consultation facilities where GPs and Practice Nurses (PNs) deliver on-site primary care, devoting four hours, one day per week to student health.
As a bulk-billed program there are no out-of-pocket expenses for students or their parents/guardians enabling early intervention and prevention. The program integrates with existing student well-being initiatives, promoting health literacy and preventive healthcare practices. GPs and PNs receive specialised training in adolescent health at no cost, equipping them with the necessary skills to effectively address the unique healthcare needs of young individuals.
Participating GPs attest to the positive impact the program has on their careers, sense of purpose, and overall well-being. By addressing sensitive and challenging issues, they witness the progress and growth of the students they treat. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young individuals also fuels their passion for healthcare and can also build their sense of fulfillment.
A day in the life of a GP at a DiSS clinic
A GP shares his experience in the DiSS program
Every day at the DiSS clinic unfolds with a whirlwind of activity, as students from all walks of life seek support and guidance. The dedicated and resourceful school nurse ensures that no gaps are left unfilled, promptly attending to those on the waiting list.
The day begins with an eighth-grade student nervously stepping into the clinic for the first time. After a few missed appointments, the school’s practice nurse gently encourages her to open-up and engage with the GP. Together, they tackle the student's concerns about mental health, friendship struggles, and academic challenges. As the session concludes, the student reports a sense of relief and expresses her willingness to return if needed - a testament to the safe and supportive environment the clinic provides.
The clinic continues to address a wide range of issues throughout the day. Another year eight student seeks help for a hyperextension injury to their finger, which happened during a spirited game of basketball. The GP provides the necessary care and guidance to aid in their recovery.
Another young visitor shares progress with managing their eating disorder, describing a reduction in the distress surrounding eating and the negative thoughts that accompany it, showing the promising strides they have made with the clinic's help.
Another student arrives urgently, grappling with anxiety and in need of a support letter. Having temporarily discontinued their ADHD medication due to side effects, their school performance suffered. The GP manages to restart the medication without the return of adverse effects, and the student, motivated to succeed, finds comfort in the supports provided by the clinic.
The clinic also helps those struggling with self-esteem and body image issues. A boy with low self-esteem seeks medical monitoring due to skipped meals. The GP introduces him to acceptance and commitment therapy, a framework well-suited for young individuals, as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Amid the day's consultations, a student struggling with chronic low mood, anxiety and childhood trauma, opens up about their struggles with identity and relationship conflict. The clinic provides a safe space for them to explore these complex emotions and find a path towards healing. Recognising the importance of consistent care, the GP promptly schedules a follow-up appointment to prevent any prolonged gaps in support.
As the day draws to a close, the GP reflects on the resilience displayed by these young individuals and the trust they place in the DISS clinic's staff. Each story is a testament to the transformative power of a nurturing and comprehensive support network. The clinic's dedicated professionals stand ready to guide and uplift these students, to confront their sensitive and challenging issues and fostering a brighter future.
Funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training, the integrated approach of the DiSS program ensures seamless, patient-centred care, empowering students to receive comprehensive support and meet their healthcare needs effectively.
Find out more about the Doctors in Secondary Schools program and participating schools in south east Melbourne.
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