The Power of a Multidisciplinary Health Team in Schools: A Holistic Approach to Student Wellbeing
Paisley Lowe | RN. Grad.Cert Nurs. Secretary of South Australian School Nurses Association
In today’s complex and fast-paced world, the health and wellbeing of adolescents require more than just occasional check-ups or reactive care. This has been highlighted in the media recently with a Lancet Report into adolescent health has identified several threats to young people across the world including poor mental health outcomes, rising obesity, bullying and exposure to climate change. Researchers stated that “The findings are alarming, and they demand urgent action and accountability, in collaboration with adolescents, to create safter spaces for meaningful change”.
A growing body of evidence supports the integration of multidisciplinary health teams within school settings—bringing together physiotherapists, occupational therapists (OTs), psychologists, nurses, and doctors to provide comprehensive, proactive, and student-centered care.
Why a Multidisciplinary Approach Matters
Adolescent health is multifaceted. Physical, emotional, cognitive, and social factors are deeply interconnected, and challenges in one area often affect others. A multidisciplinary team ensures that no aspect of a student’s wellbeing is overlooked.
Most importantly, adolescents learn best when their health and wellbeing needs are met. When students feel physically safe, emotionally supported, and mentally well, they are more engaged, focused, and ready to learn. A healthy child is not only more likely to succeed academically but also to develop the confidence and resilience needed for lifelong success.
Key Benefits of On-Site Multidisciplinary Health Teams
1. Early Identification and Intervention
Having health professionals on-site allows for early detection of learning difficulties, wellbeing concerns, and physical health issues such as accident or injury. The research shows early intervention is critical in preventing long-term complications and improving outcomes.
2. Holistic, Coordinated Care
When physiotherapists, OTs, psychologists, nurses, and doctors collaborate, they can develop integrated care plans tailored to each student’s unique needs. This reduces fragmentation and ensures that interventions are aligned and mutually reinforcing.
3. Improved Access and Equity
Many families face barriers to accessing healthcare—particularly those who live rural and remotely and have their children attend a boarding school. Whether due to cost, transportation, or time constraints, on-site services remove these barriers, ensuring all students, regardless of background, receive the support they need.
4. Enhanced Academic Performance
Addressing physical ailments, emotional distress, or complex sensory and auditory processing issues can significantly improve concentration, behavior, and academic engagement.
5. Support for Teachers and Families
Multidisciplinary teams can provide guidance to teachers on classroom strategies and accommodations, and offer families support in navigating health systems or implementing care plans at home or in the boarding setting.
6. Crisis Response and Mental Health Support
With rising concerns around youth mental health, having psychologists and nurses on-site ensures timely support during emotional crises, reducing the risk of escalation and promoting resilience.
7. Promotion of Preventative Health
Regular health education, the sharing of resources, and referrals made by the team in conjunction with the health and wellbeing curriculum can instill lifelong healthy habits and reduce the incidence of preventable conditions.
A Model for the Future
Schools are more than just places of learning—they are community hubs where students spend a significant portion of their formative years. Embedding multidisciplinary health teams within schools is not just a progressive idea; it’s a necessary evolution in how we care for our young people.
By investing in this model, we create environments where students are not only educated but truly supported to thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Applying Theory in Practice at Scotch College Adelaide
The Purruna Spencer Newton Centre at Scotch College in Adelaide is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to supporting the holistic wellbeing of students. More than just a sports complex, it serves as a dynamic space where physical health, mental wellness, and academic learning intersect.
As part of Scotch College’s broader commitment to student wellbeing, the Centre plays a key role in the Live Well curriculum Program. This initiative ensures that students are not only physically active but also emotionally and socially supported throughout their educational journey.
The Centre features modern learning spaces, indoor courts, a swimming pool, a gym, and dedicated studios for dance and Pilates. It also houses the purpose built Purruna Health Centre. Staffed full time by the College Registered Nurses, it comprises of an admin office, waiting room, all access bathroom, treatment room and 2 ward bays. Further along the corridor sits the consulting rooms used for counselling and allied health services. These support services include full time psychology services, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, educational support therapy, and meditation services. These have become vital services for both boarders and day students alike. The proximity of the Health Centre and the consulting rooms allow a streamlined approach for multidisciplinary practitioners to liaise and coordinate with one another.
Upon reflection, it’s been a privilege to witness the positive impact the Purruna Spencer Newton Centre has had on the students attending Scotch over the past three years. The centre has become a trusted space where students feel supported, empowered, and equipped to take charge of their health and wellbeing.
I look forward to continuing this journey using a multidisciplinary approach alongside our school community, nurturing a culture of care, resilience, and holistic growth, providing a safe space for meaningful change in the lives of our students.
References
[1]: American Academy of Pediatrics – School-Based Health Centers and Pediatric Practice
[2]: Center on PBIS – Enhancing Team Functioning in Schools’ Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
[3]: Brisbane South PHN – Models for Multidisciplinary Care
[4]: AITSL – Wellbeing in Australian Schools
[5]: The Kids Network – Interdisciplinary Care to Enhance Mental Health [6]: World Health Organisation – Launch of the Lancet Commission Report on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing
