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57
Compared with an unselected group of control schools there
was an increase in the attendance of mothers at the inspections
in schools using questionnaires. In Junior Schools (where the
figure is already over 70%) it was raised to an overall figure
of approximately 81%. In Secondary Schools where the figure is
only about 30% the rise was far less marked and not statistically
significant.
The questionnaires did not increase the total number of
health defects which were recognised but there was a marked
shift in experimental schools towards the treatment (as opposed
to the observation) of any defect which was discovered.
Conclusions.
It is concluded that the overwhelming majority of parents
will provide any additional information at the school medical
inspection which the doctor may feel to be necessary. Even when
such information is highly confidential or personal it will be
given in written form if it is in the interests of the child. An
extremely small minority will complain as they already do, from
time to time, about the present system.
As a result of this co-operation school medical officers
would be able to select some children for a more detailed examination
than others but from the experience of this survey it
would seem that such a selection cannot be based on the questionnaire
alone and the doctor would require additional information
from other sources before his selection can be sufficiently
specific to be practicable. This would necessitate detailed
discussions with teachers, Health Visitors and School Welfare
Officers which have not been possible in the County Borough of
Croydon.