Health care needs in resource centres : LSA's perceptions

Abstract

Resource Centres (formerly known as Special Schools) are schools which cater for students with special needs and provide support to other students attending mainstream schools. Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) are part of the educational staff in Resource Centres; their job is to care for and provide support to their students while facilitating their participation in all school activities. An essential part of the LSAs' work is to take care of the students' physical needs. This quantitative study attempts to explore LSAs' perceptions in addressing the physical health care needs of students with special needs attending Resource Centres. Following a review of related literature, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to all the 92 LSAs employed at the four Resource Centres in Malta. There were 72 completed questionnaires. The data collected were then grouped and analysed. Results showed that personal assistance is an integral part of an LSA's daily work. Often LSAs encountered situations, such as seizures, where students needed immediate intervention. Coordination with the school nurse and further training and education were found to be assets. Further research, possibly qualitative and involving teachers, LSAs and nurses working in Resource Centres is recommended. The respective roles of educational and health care staff in responding to emergency health needs need to be further and better defined, delineated and coordinated.