Individualized healthcare plan: Basic components and inclusions

Estimates show that millions of children who are in need of Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP). These children are identified to have medical conditions that potentially affect school attendance and academic performance.

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The IHCP helps ensure that the child receives the health services he or she needs during the time that he or she is not under direct care or supervision of a parent or a guardian. As it is not mandated by law for the IHCP to apply for all children, it becomes a must when a child has an emerging health problem that is categorized as mild to severe.

A comprehensive healthcare or health services plan facilitates communication and collaboration among families, the child himself (if applicable and appropriate), school health team staff including school nurses, and other healthcare professionals in the community. To keep an eye on youngsters, accurate documentation of their chronic medical conditions and individual needs is crucial.

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In order to avoid risks of error that may be due to unfamiliarity and complexity of health conditions, the following components must be explicit on an IHCP documentation:

1. Health services the child needs to receive at school;

2. When, where, and how health services will be provided;

3. Who will provide the health services;

4. Nursing assessments, diagnoses, interventions, and expected outcomes;

5. Information on child’s transportation requirements; and

6. Medical equipment, supplies, and other extra services necessary especially during special activities like classroom parties, off-campus, and field trips.

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The safety of the child is ensured with school health professionals meeting regulatory requirements and professional standards, with parents’ or guardians’ consistent and active involvement, and with an always updated individualized healthcare plan.

Larry Wedekind has an extensive experience and involvement in healthcare financing and healthcare delivery. Learn more on healthcare system innovations here.