School Reentry Plans for Students with Chronic Illness:

Abstract

Students with chronic illnesses benefit from coordinated school reentry plans developed in conjunction with families, school personnel, and medical specialists. A systematic literature review was conducted to study school reentry plans that are specific to students with chronic illness. Five studies met inclusion criteria and were synthesized and analyzed based upon specific reentry characteristics as well as the overall impact transition plans had on student mental health and academics. Findings suggest that there is little standardization within reentry program research which leads to program variability. Nevertheless, findings also suggest that school reentry programs for students with chronic illness resulted in higher rates of school attendance as well as increased feelings of social connectiveness with their classmates. Further research within the area of hospital to school transition procedures for students with chronic illness is needed to establish practice guidelines within the medical and educational communities.