SCHOOL CLINIC HEALTH SERVICES AS PERCEIVED BY SELECTED GRADE 12 HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES AT BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

A school clinic is vital for ensuring the well-being of all students, serving as an essential component of their overall health. Establishing a clinic in every educational institution is a commendable and equitable initiative. These clinics are stocked with necessary medical supplies and medications that students may need throughout the school day, promoting health among both students and staff while providing high-quality health services to nurture a generation that values healthy living. The main goal of a school medical clinic is to enhance and promote student health while encouraging self-care, especially for those requiring immediate medical attention. This research aims to investigate the experiences of selected Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences students regarding the school clinic services at Bestlink College of the Philippines. This study employed a quantitative-descriptive research method using purposive sampling to examine the experiences of Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. A total of 30 respondents were selected to participate in the study. The analysis of survey responses revealed that respondents strongly agree with the effectiveness of school clinic health services in the following areas:  Health education – Weighted Mean: 3.29 Teleconsultation – Weighted Mean: 3.32 Medical consultation – Weighted Mean: 3.31 The overall weighted mean for these aspects is 3.31, indicating a strong agreement among respondents on the effectiveness of the school clinic’s health services.  However, respondents also strongly agree that they encountered challenges in the school clinic health services, particularly in:  Availability of equipment – Weighted Mean: 3.27 Medical supplies – Weighted Mean: 3.27 Staff adequacy – Weighted Mean: 3.44 The overall weighted mean for these concerns is 3.33, suggesting that insufficient resources and staffing are key issues affecting the quality of healthcare services provided by the school clinic. To enhance the quality of school clinic health services, the following recommendations are proposed: The school clinic should consistently maintain and improve its health education, medical consultations, and teleconsultation services to ensure continuous healthcare support for students.  Address challenges related to medical supplies, equipment, and staff adequacy is essential. The school should allocate sufficient resources and enhance staffing to provide more efficient and accessible healthcare services. Implementing these recommendations will contribute to a more effective and well-equipped school clinic, ultimately benefiting the overall well-being of students.