Matina Kampra
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Title: Teachers’ perceptions about the school nurse’s role regarding children with epilepsy in Greece
Biography
Biography: Matina Kampra
Abstract
Introduction: It is well documented that epilepsy is a disorder which carries the burden of its nature. Not only does it affect the patients’ life, but their socials’ as well. With regard to children and youth with epilepsy during their school years, it is very important for their teachers to have an expert’s advice on the management of several issues raised during the school day.
Aim: A survey was conducted to explore teachers’ perceptions about the school nurse’s role, especially when there were children with epilepsy (CWE) in their school.
Methods: A total of 70 head-teachers of regular schools from all Greek counties were phone-interviewed with open-ended questions. The data were grouped and analyzed in depth.
Results: Of the 70 interviewed head-teachers, 68 insisted that schools need nurses (amongst other experts). 65 recognized that the role of the school nurse encompasses both educational and health goals. 67 insisted that school nurses could become a liaison between schools, family, health care professionals and the CWE. 66 referred to the nurses’ role for health policies and programs. 69 underlined the school nurses’ direct care to CWE.
Conclusion: The existence of school nurse was found to be essential for the Greek teachers especially in the case of CWE, since their absence was considered crucial. An urgent need was raised for the authorities to provide the regular school personnel with nurses in order to offer information and assistance in health matters, to promote health and safety and to collaborate with teachers and family for the pupils’ wellbeing.