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Improving Health Communication

Improving Health Communication in Higher Education

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

(Best Practices and What to Avoid)

We all know what happens when communication breaks down – chaos erupts! Effective health communication is vital for promoting wellness and managing health concerns on college campuses. Understanding and applying best practices in health communication can significantly enhance health services utilization and the overall well-being of the student population.

Let’s dive into the essential elements of effective health communication, the application of health literacy models and plain language guidelines and identify common errors and opportunities for improvement.

Best Practices in Health Communication

1. Know Your Audience

Understanding the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and needs of your student population is crucial. Tailor your messages to address the specific concerns and preferences of different student groups, such as international students, students with disabilities, or those from various cultural backgrounds.

2. Utilize Multiple Channels

Students access information through various channels, including social media, email, campus websites, and physical materials (flyers, bulletin boards, etc.). Ensure your health messages are distributed through multiple platforms to maximize engagement. Use engaging visuals and multimedia content to capture attention and make information more accessible.

Learn more about promoting campus resources through social media here.

3. Be Clear & Concise

Clarity and brevity are essential in health communication. Avoid medical jargon and complex language that may confuse or overwhelm students. Use plain language guidelines to ensure your messages are easily understood. For example, instead of saying “administer medication,” use “take medicine.”

4. Foster Foster Two-Way Communication

Encourage feedback and dialogue with students. Create opportunities for students to ask questions, share concerns, and provide input on health initiatives. This can be done through online forums, in-person events, anonymous surveys, or suggestion boxes. Two-way communication builds trust and ensures that your messages are relevant and effective.

Applying Health Literacy Models and Plain Language Guidelines

Health Literacy Models

Health literacy involves the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make informed health decisions. Applying health literacy models can enhance the effectiveness of your communication efforts.

The Health Belief Model (HBM): The HBM can help predict and explain health behaviors by focusing on individuals’ beliefs about health conditions, perceived benefits of action, and barriers to action. Use this model to design messages that address perceived risks and emphasize the benefits of adopting healthy behaviors.

For example, to encourage students to get flu vaccinations, you might highlight the perceived severity of the flu by sharing stories of severe cases and the high risk of contagion in a campus environment.

Simultaneously, emphasize the benefits of vaccination, such as increased immunity, reduced absenteeism, and protection for vulnerable peers and campus staff. Address barriers by providing information on convenient campus vaccination clinics, reducing cost concerns, and dispelling myths about vaccine safety.

The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM): The SEM considers the complex interplay between individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal factors. Use this model to develop multi-level interventions that address various determinants of health and create supportive environments for behavior change.

For example, to encourage college students to take care of their mental health, you could implement individual-level strategies like providing access to online self-help resources and counseling services. At the interpersonal level, facilitate peer support groups and mental health awareness training for student leaders.

Moreover, advocate for policies that reduce academic stress, such as flexible deadlines and mental health days. Community-level interventions might include partnerships with local mental health organizations to provide workshops and resources. Lastly, at the societal level, engage in advocacy efforts to reduce stigma around mental health and promote broader cultural acceptance of seeking help.

Plain Language Guidelines

Plain language guidelines emphasize clear and straightforward communication. Here are some key principles:

  • Use simple words and sentences: Replace complex terms with simpler alternatives. For example, use “high blood pressure” instead of “hypertension.”
  • Be direct: State your main message at the beginning and keep sentences short.
  • Use active voice: Active voice is more engaging and easier to understand. For example, “Wash your hands” is better than “Hands should be washed.”
  • Organize information logically: Use headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break down information and make it easier to scan.

Common Errors and Opportunities for Improvement

Error 1: Overloading Information

Providing too much information at once can overwhelm students and reduce the likelihood of them retaining key messages. Focus on delivering essential information in manageable chunks.

Opportunity: Prioritize and segment information visually. Use infographics and summaries to highlight key points.

Error 2: Ignoring Cultural Sensitivity

Health messages that do not consider cultural differences may be ineffective or even offensive to some students.

Opportunity: Engage with diverse student groups to understand their perspectives and tailor messages accordingly. Use culturally relevant examples, images, and language.

Error 3: Lack of Visual Appeal

Plain text messages may be ignored or overlooked, especially in today’s visually-driven digital landscape.

Opportunity: Incorporate visuals, such as images, videos, and infographics, to make messages more engaging and easier to understand.

Error 4: Inadequate Follow-Up

Sending out a health message without follow-up can lead to low engagement and missed opportunities for behavior change.

Opportunity: Use automated reminders and follow-up communications to reinforce messages. Provide support to encourage sustained behavior change.

Key Takeaways

Effective health communication on college campuses requires a strategic approach that considers the diverse needs of the student population. By applying health literacy models, adhering to plain language guidelines, and addressing common pitfalls, colleges of all sizes can enhance their communication efforts and promote a healthier campus environment.

Take health promotion a step further on your campus with Strategies to Boost Immunization Rates.

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Non-Traditional College Students

8 Tips to Empower Non-Traditional College Students

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

When people think of college, they often picture students in the traditional 18-22 age range. However, a significant and growing portion of the student population is comprised of non-traditional students. Non-traditional students can include those returning from military service, part-time students, parents, or those simply seeking a degree later in life. These students bring diverse experiences and face unique challenges that require tailored support to ensure their success and well-being.

In this blog, we explore eight tips designed to enhance the experience of non-traditional students on your campus and ultimately, improve retention.

1. Promote Regular Health Screenings

Encourage regular health screenings for non-traditional students. Given their often busy schedules outside of school, providing these services on campus offers significant convenience and ensures they have easy access to essential health care.

These screenings can help detect potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention. If your campus doesn’t offer them, partner with local healthcare providers to offer on-campus screening events for blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, and hearing, etc.

2. Create a Supportive Environment

Ensure that the campus environment is accessible and inclusive for all students. This can include:

  • Installing ramps and elevators for easy mobility
  • Offering plenty of seating areas throughout campus
  • Ensuring accessible restrooms and gender-neutral bathrooms
  • Offering assistive listening devices and captioning services in lecture halls and event spaces
  • Creating family-friendly spaces and childcare facilities for students with dependents
  • Offering flexible class schedules and online learning options for part-time students
  • Providing military-specific support services and spaces, such as lounges or resource centers

Learn more about creating an inclusive college campus here.

3. Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity is vital for maintaining health at any age or stage of life. To accommodate the diverse needs of non-traditional college students, consider organizing a variety of inclusive and accessible exercise options such as:

  • Low-impact exercise classes, like yoga, tai chi, & walking groups
  • Schedule classes at various times to accommodate students with other obligations such as full-time jobs or dependents
  • Ensure fitness facilities are accessible and offer adaptive equipment for students with disabilities
  • Create a welcoming gym environment with clear signage, approachable staff, and supportive policies for students who may feel intimidated or out of place
  • Offer virtual fitness classes and resources for students who may prefer or need to exercise at home

By implementing these strategies, you can foster a welcoming and supportive fitness environment that encourages all non-traditional students to stay active.

4. Foster Mental Health and Well-Being

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Ensure that your campus offers  counseling services tailored to the needs of ALL students. For instance, create support groups for parents enrolled at your school where students can share their experiences and connect with peers. Additionally, provides resources for stress management and mindfulness practices.

Need help connecting students to resources available on your campus? Download our guide: 22 Innovative Ways to Promote Campus Resources.

5. Nutritional Support and Education

Nutrition plays a key role in a healthy life for all college students. Offering educational workshops on balanced diets and nutritional needs tailored to student’s diverse needs can be highly valuable.

For example, host a “Healthy Cooking on a Budget” workshop for students with families or a “Quick and Nutritious Meals” session for part-time students with busy schedules. By addressing the unique nutritional requirements of these students, you can support their overall well-being and academic success.

6. Professional Development and Lifelong Learning

Encourage all non-traditional students to engage in lifelong learning and professional development. Offer workshops, seminars, and courses that cater to their diverse interests and career goals (and ensure evening or weekend sessions are available to accommodate working students and those with family responsibilities).

Colleges can also create opportunities for mentorship programs where experienced students, such as veterans or older adults, can share their knowledge and experience with younger peers. Additionally, virtual career fairs and networking events can connect non-traditional students with potential employers and widen their professional networks.

7. Promote Social Connections

Evidence shows that social isolation and loneliness can significantly harm health, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, anxiety depression, and more. Social connections are vital for emotional well-being.

To support this, colleges can host social events and activities, encouraging interaction among all non-traditional students. This can be achieved by creating family-friendly events like campus picnics or movie nights to accommodate students with children.

Additionally, support groups or social clubs specifically for veterans or working students can be invaluable in fostering a sense of community and providing peer support. Events like book clubs, cultural outings, and volunteer opportunities can help build a supportive network and foster a sense of belonging among non-traditional students.

8. Utilize Technology for Health Monitoring

Technology can elevate the support and well-being of all non-traditional college students. Colleges can provide regular informational and training sessions to help students become comfortable using health technologies, catering to different technological literacy, schedules, and availability.

Make sure health tech tools are accessible for all students, offering adaptive features and support as needed. Additionally, promotes virtual health consultations and telehealth options for students who may have limited access to on-campus health services.

Key Takeaways

Supporting the health and well-being of non-traditional students can enrich your campus community. By implementing these tips and utilizing available resources, we can help to create an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes a positive college experience for all.

Discover effective strategies for linking students to essential resources by checking out a recording of one of our recent webinars, Connecting Students to Key Resources: What, Where, and How.

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Inclusive Health and Counseling Centers

Creating Inclusive Health and Counseling Centers

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Your Guide to Best Practices

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of creating inclusive health and counseling centers for LGBTQIA+ students. Ensuring that all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe and supported is crucial for their well-being and academic success.

Let’s walk through some best practices that will make your health and counseling centers more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ students. Plus, continue reading to learn what top schools like Rutgers, Tufts, and Ohio State are doing to support their campus communities.

1. Staff Training and Education

Provide ongoing training for healthcare providers and counseling staff on LGBTQIA+ health concerns and challenges. This includes understanding the specific mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ students, as well as using inclusive language and respecting students’ preferred names and pronouns. Staff should be well-versed in cultural competency to create an environment where LGBTQIA+ students feel seen and respected.

2. Inclusive Policies and Practices

Work with campus leadership to develop and implement policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Ensure that these policies are clearly communicated to both staff and students. Incorporate inclusive practices such as providing gender-neutral bathrooms within your clinics and offering a range of options on intake forms to capture a student’s gender identity and preferred name. Make sure this information is prominently displayed in your EHR and scheduling systems so that staff can refer to a student the right way, the first time.

3. Visible Support and Resources

Display LGBTQIA+ affirming materials, such as posters, brochures, and pride flags in health and counseling centers. This visible support can help create a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, provide resources and referrals to LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare providers, therapists, and support groups both on-campus and in your local community.

Note: Unique strategies for promoting resources to students can be found here.

4. Confidentiality and Privacy

Ensure that confidentiality and privacy are prioritized, as many students may be concerned about being outed or facing discrimination. Reassure students that their information will be kept private and that their healthcare needs will be handled with sensitivity and respect.

5. Student Feedback and Involvement

Engage LGBTQIA+ students in the development and evaluation of health and counseling services. Solicit feedback through surveys, focus groups, and advisory committees to ensure that services are meeting their needs and to identify areas for improvement.

6. Comprehensive Coverage

Advocate for student health insurance plans to include comprehensive coverage for LGBTQIA+ healthcare needs. This should encompass routine care, mental health services, and specific needs such as hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgeries, and other gender-affirming treatments. Ensuring that insurance plans do not exclude this type of care is critical for the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students.

7. Policy Guidelines

Refer to established guidelines and best practices, such as those provided by the American College Health Association (ACHA). ACHA provides a Trans-Inclusive College Health Programs guide for creating inclusive healthcare environments, for example. This guide provides recommendations on medical records, health informatics, mental health services, and continuing education and training.

8. Equitable Access

Promote equitable access to well-being services to ensure that all students can achieve their full academic potential. Addressing chronic or acute physical and mental health needs promptly can meaningfully contribute to their success on campus.

Real-World Examples and Best Practices

Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives in higher education, we can create more inclusive health and counseling centers.

Here are some examples of how schools across the country are prioritizing LGBTQIA+ health and wellness:

  • Rutgers University offers comprehensive care for transgender and gender non-binary students through the Rutgers Center for Transgender Health. This center provides medical counseling, hormone therapy, hormone-level monitoring, and assistance with referrals to external providers such as surgeons and endocrinologists. Additionally, they help students with signing official name-change documents.

    Health services include continuous hormone therapy, laboratory testing, genital and chest reconstruction surgery, psychotherapy, and surgery to change secondary sex characteristics. Rutgers Student Health ensures gender-affirming care for all registered students, regardless of their insurance coverage, including those on the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

    Counseling services include individual and group counseling, crisis management, substance abuse assessment and treatment, and psychiatric services. The center is dedicated to improving transgender and non-binary health through evidence-based care, research, and education, aiming to create a welcoming and supportive environment throughout the gender affirmation process.

  • Tufts University offers comprehensive, inclusive health services for LGBTQIA+ students, including specialized trans health care, hormone treatment, and gender-affirming surgery information. Students can self-identify their name, gender identity, and pronouns in records.

    Gender-affirming hormone Treatment (GAHT) and surgeries follow World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines, with support for medication and ongoing care. Insurance and billing assistance is available, and mental health support is provided throughout the process. The university also offers additional resources for ongoing support and name changes.

  • Ohio State University offers extensive mental health support for LGBTQIA+ students through one-on-one counseling, drop-in consultations, and specialized workshops and support groups. Several therapists specialize in LGBTQ+ concerns. CCS supports groups for queer undergraduate and graduate students, plus transgender/non-binary students.

    The Gender Affirming Primary Care Clinic offers transition-related care, primary care, STI testing, HIV PrEP, vaccinations, hormone therapy, and referrals for gender-affirming surgery. The clinic emphasizes teaching future medical professionals to provide affirming care to the transgender community.

Key Takeaways

Creating inclusive health and counseling centers for LGBTQIA+ students is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it is about fostering an environment where all students can thrive.

By implementing practical steps such as staff training, inclusive clinic policies, and comprehensive healthcare coverage, institutions can ensure that LGBTQIA+ students feel supported and valued. This, in turn, contributes to their academic success and overall well-being.

As we move forward, continuous engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community will be essential in refining these practices and addressing emerging needs.

Continued Reading: Learn more about how and why campuses are focusing on LGBTQIA+ mental health, in particular.

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Healthy Sleep

The Impact of Sleep on Academic Performance

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Encouraging Healthy Sleep Habits

healthy sleep is important

Sleep is often the first thing students sacrifice when faced with the demands of college life. According to the University of Georgia, college students are only getting an average of 6-6.9 hours of sleep per night. However, the CDC recommends getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

From late-night study sessions to early morning classes, sleep deprivation has become a common issue among students. In this blog, we’ll explore sleep’s critical role in learning and memory, the negative effects of sleep deprivation, and how colleges can promote better sleep hygiene among students.

The Importance of Sleep for Students

Enhances Learning and Memory

Sleep is essential for consolidating memories and processing information. During sleep, the brain reorganizes and integrates new information, which is crucial for learning. Studies have shown that students who get adequate sleep perform better on tests and have better recall of information compared to those who are sleep-deprived.

Boosts Cognitive Function

Adequate sleep enhances cognitive functions such as attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are vital for academic success, as they enable students to grasp complex concepts, engage in critical thinking, and make informed decisions.

Improves Mood and Mental Health

Sleep has a profound impact on mood and mental health. Students who get enough sleep are less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can hinder academic performance. Good sleep hygiene promotes emotional stability, resilience, and overall well-being.

The Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Increased Risk of Health Issues

Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a range of health problems, including weakened immune function, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. For students, this means more sick days and less energy to participate in academic and extracurricular activities.

Decreased Safety

Sleep-deprived students are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries, both on and off campus. For example, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Ensuring students get enough sleep can help keep them safe.

Promoting Better Sleep Hygiene on Campus

Educating Students About Sleep

Colleges can play a significant role in promoting healthy sleep habits by educating students about the importance of sleep. Workshops, seminars, and informational campaigns can help raise awareness about the benefits of good sleep hygiene and provide practical tips for improving sleep quality.

Gain unique tips for promoting campus resources here.

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment

The campus environment can significantly impact students’ sleep patterns. Colleges can take steps to create a sleep-friendly environment by:

  • Implementing Quiet Hours: Establishing (and consistently enforcing) quiet hours in dormitories can help minimize noise and create a conducive environment for sleep.
  • Improving Dorm Room Comfort: Providing comfortable mattresses, blackout curtains, and temperature control can enhance sleep quality.
  • Encouraging Regular Sleep Schedules: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, can help students regulate their sleep patterns.

Offering Resources and Support

Providing resources and support for students struggling with sleep issues is essential. This can include:

  • Access to Sleep Clinics or Counseling Services: Offering on-campus sleep clinics or counseling services can help students address sleep disorders or other underlying issues affecting their sleep.
  • Stress Management Programs: Programs that teach stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can help students manage stress and improve their sleep quality.

Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Promoting overall health and wellness can also contribute to better sleep hygiene. Colleges can encourage students to adopt healthy lifestyle choices by:

  • Promoting Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality.
  • Providing Nutritious Food Options: A balanced diet supports overall health and promotes better sleep.
  • Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol: Educating students about the impact of caffeine and alcohol on sleep can encourage healthier consumption habits.

Key Takeaways

The impact of sleep on academic performance is undeniable. By promoting healthy sleep habits, colleges can help students achieve their full academic potential and enhance their overall well-being. Colleges can play a crucial role in fostering good sleep hygiene among students through education, creating a sleep-friendly environment, offering resources and support, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.

Help your students thrive during their college years. Learn how physical activity can improve student well-being.

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Leveraging Technology for Wellness

Leveraging Technology for Wellness

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Leveraging Technology for Wellness

Using Apps, Online Resources, and Telehealth to Enhance Student Support

Technology is revolutionizing the way we approach health and wellness. For college health and counseling professionals, integrating technology into support services is no longer optional—it’s essential. From wellness apps to telehealth platforms, these tools offer innovative ways to connect with students, provide continuous support, and enhance the overall efficacy of health and counseling services.

The Rise of Wellness Apps

Wellness apps have become a cornerstone in the landscape of digital health. These applications offer various features, from mental health support and meditation to fitness tracking and nutrition guidance. Here’s how wellness apps can be integrated into college health services:

  1. Mental Health Support: Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Moodfit provide students with tools for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. These apps offer guided meditations, mood tracking, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that can complement in-person or virtual sessions with a counselor.
  2. Physical Fitness and Nutrition: Fitness apps like Nourish and Nike Training Club help students maintain physical health by offering workout plans and nutritional support. Encouraging students to use these apps can foster a holistic approach to wellness.
  3. Personalized Health Plans: By integrating these apps into your health center’s resources, you can offer personalized health plans that students can follow independently, promoting continuous self-care outside of scheduled appointments.

Gain tips for connecting students with key resources here.

Utilizing Online Resources

Online resources are vast and varied, offering a wealth of information and support that can enhance college health services. Here’s how you can leverage them:

  1. Virtual Workshops and Webinars: Hosting or participating in virtual workshops and webinars on topics like stress management, nutrition, and mental health can provide valuable support and education to students, reaching those who may not seek in-person help. These types of events can also be co-hosted with other schools, reaching a wider student audience while limiting resources required of each school’s health and wellness team.
  2. Integrate ePrecribing: ePrescribing allows healthcare providers to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies electronically, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency. This system improves accuracy and convenience for students while supporting sustainability by reducing paper usage. Additionally, ePrescribing enhances patient safety through drug interaction checks and allergy alerts.
  3. Telehealth Appointments: Telehealth has become a game-changer in the realm of health services, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It continues to provide numerous benefits:
    • Accessibility: Telehealth removes barriers to accessing care, such as transportation issues or scheduling conflicts. Students can attend appointments from the comfort of their dorm rooms or another private space on campus, making it easier to seek help.
    • Continuity of Care: Telehealth ensures that students who might travel or move frequently continue to receive consistent care without interruption.
    • Immediate Support: Platforms offering on-demand telehealth services can provide immediate support during crises or urgent health concerns, ensuring timely intervention.

Best Practices for Integration

To effectively integrate technology into your health and counseling services, consider these best practices:

  1. Evaluate and Select: Choose apps and online resources that are evidence-based and have proven efficacy. Collaborate with technology experts to ensure they meet your institution’s privacy and security standards.

You can learn more about protecting students’ data here.

  1. Promote Awareness: Actively promote these resources through campus campaigns, social media, and during sessions with students. The more aware students are of the available tools, the more likely they will use them.
Download the guide: 22 Innovative Ways to Promote Campus Resources.
  1. Feedback and Improvement: Regularly seek student feedback regarding their experiences with these technologies. Use this feedback to improve and adapt your digital health and wellness offerings continuously.

Key Takeaways

Incorporating technology into college health and counseling services is a powerful way to enhance support and improve student wellness. By leveraging wellness apps, online resources, and telehealth, colleges can provide comprehensive, accessible, and effective care. Embracing these modern tools not only meets the current needs of students, but also prepares your institution to navigate the evolving landscape of digital health.

Learn how you can make teletherapy sustainable for your campus here.

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Medicat's Core Values

Embracing Excellence: Medicat’s New Company Values

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Embracing Excellence:

Medicat’s New Company Values

Culture is the lifeblood of any organization. Some let it form organically, while others, like Medicat, take a deliberate approach to shape it. With 30 years of history behind us, we’ve seen our company evolve, thanks to the dedication of our employees and the trust of our customers.

At Medicat, we pride ourselves on fostering a “healthy” culture, but we know there’s always room for improvement. That’s why in late 2023, we embarked on a companywide effort to define our core values.

Crafting these values was no small feat. It took months of organizing focus groups, surveying team members, and refining our language to distill our principles into actionable statements.

The result is a set of values that reflect both who we are now and who we aspire to be, appealing to both our team and our customers.

Without further ado, here are Medicat’s company values:

Empower Customers:

We derive a deep understanding of our industry through strong customer relationships. We use our expertise to help schools better serve their students.

Be Reliable:

We believe that consistency instills trust. We follow through on our commitments, prioritize what matters, and hold each other accountable.

Seek Growth:

We actively listen, remain curious, and embrace challenges. We regularly look for ways to improve and have the courage to ask for constructive feedback.

Enable Success:

We invest in the tools and team we need to meet our ambitious goals. We work collaboratively to remove obstacles and drive rapid impact.

These values are more than just words; they’re the guiding principles that inform our decisions and actions every day. They shape how we recognize excellence, how we serve our customers, and where we invest our resources.

But defining values is just the first step; living up to them is the real challenge. It requires dedication, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. However, we’re confident that our team is up to the task.

Learn about the impact of our team and customers across 2023 here.

As we embrace our new values, we reaffirm our dedication to excellence, our passion for innovation, and our commitment to making a positive impact.

Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest news, events, and ideas.

Interested in learning more about how your campus health solutions can become more integrated and impactful?  Connect with a member of our team.

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Medicat One Counseling Reports

New Reports in Medicat One Counseling

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Learn About Other Must-Have Reports

Leveraging reports to better understand student mental health is vital for college campuses striving to provide comprehensive support services. One powerful tool to help achieve this understanding is the utilization of Medicat One Counseling Reports.

Let’s delve into some of the newest counseling-specific reports now available through Medicat One. Plus, we’ll explore other essential reports that can have a major impact on the way your clinic reports on key outcomes.

To take a tour of our reporting tool, click “Get Started” below:

New & Updated Reports Appointment Statistics

We’re excited to introduce the revamped Appointment Statistics report in M1 Counseling. Gone are the days of piecing together disparate data points from various reports in our Legacy platform; this new report offers a holistic view of appointment trends. While the previous iteration provided visit session and type counts, the revamped Appointment Statistics report offers a complete picture of no-show occurrences in comparison to the total number of students being seen. This data empowers providers to not only track appointment attendance but also identify trends and potential areas for improvement in appointment scheduling and communication with students.

Appointment statistics Medicat One

Demographics by School and Class

Along with the Appointment Statistics report, we know many schools we work with have been looking forward to the Demographics by School and Class report. This report offers a comprehensive snapshot of student demographics including appointment types, academic standing, school association (i.e. School of the Arts), ethnicity, gender, and more. No longer do providers need to sift through disparate sources to gather this vital information; this report seamlessly consolidates these data points, providing a clearer understanding of the unique needs and trends within each school and class.

Demographics by school & class

Notes of Concern

On college campuses, early intervention is essential. With the Notes of Concern report, providers can now access a bird’s eye view of instances where a concerned party (i.e. professor) reaches out about a student who hasn’t yet sought a counseling appointment. This proactive approach not only facilitates smoother intake processes but also provides valuable insight into the broader student population, particularly those who may not be actively engaged in treatment. As finals loom, the increase in Notes of Concern serves as a crucial gauge of the community’s well-being, ensuring that no student slips through the cracks of their school’s support system.

Notes of Concern Report

Additional Reports

Beyond the reports mentioned above, Medicat offers a suite of other valuable reports to empower campuses. Some of these include:

  • Staff Appointment Reports: This report goes a step further than the Provider Assignments report and offers detailed insights into average appointment durations by clinic and by provider, frequency of provider-student appointments, and an overview of the types of appointments each provider engages in.
  • Outreach Reports: Provides insights into the effectiveness of community outreach campaigns and campus engagement initiatives.
  • Referrals: This report provides a breakdown of referrals by transaction code and provider, enabling clinics to gain a deeper understanding of referral patterns and dynamics on their campus.

Leveraging these reports enables college campuses to optimize their counseling services and plays a crucial role in end-of-year reporting. By analyzing the data provided by these reports, counseling centers can gain valuable insights into the utilization of their services, trends in student mental health, and the effectiveness of their interventions throughout the academic year.

Additionally, these reports provide concrete evidence of the impact of counseling services on student well-being, which can be instrumental in securing funding, garnering support from administrators, and advocating for the expansion of mental health resources on campus.

Learn about the most commonly asked questions concerning counseling EHRs here.

Key Takeaways

By harnessing the insights provided by these new reports, counseling clinics can streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and deliver high-quality care to students effectively.

Embracing data-driven decision-making empowers counseling professionals to adapt to evolving student needs, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient campus community.

Connect with our team to learn more about the different reports and features Medicat offers.

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College Students’ Top 5 Concerns

Data Reveals College Students’ Top 5 Concerns

Written by Medicat on . Posted in News & Press.

During a recent event hosted by Medicat and ConcernCenter, data from 216 colleges and universities across the country gave us a glimpse into the top concerns students are searching for.

The top two concerns outlined above are related to basic human needs. Schools nationwide are expanding Basic Needs Hubs to combat food insecurity and homelessness amongst their campus communities. However, stigma related to seeking support for basic needs remains strong, making it imperative for colleges and universities to make sure students can easily and discreetly access information about basic needs support available to them.

Additionally, mental health concerns remain top of mind. According to the 2023 Healthy Minds Study, most college students meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem. Thus, it’s not surprising that students are seeking mental health support at higher rates than ever, placing unsustainable demand on counseling resources.

This is where effective campus resource promotion becomes imperative.

Together with ConcernCenter, Medicat has released a guide designed to inspire higher ed health, wellness, and counseling professionals to think outside the box when it comes to promoting the wealth of resources offered to students.

Download “22 Innovative Ways You Can Promote Campus Resources”

According to ConcernCenter, College Students’ Top 5 Concerns Are As Follows:

1. Food

Many students struggle to afford nutritious meals, leading to issues like hunger, malnutrition, and poor concentration.

2. Housing

The lack of affordable housing options forces some students to live in substandard conditions or face homelessness.

3. Anxiety

More students than ever live with anxiety. Stigma and logistical barriers to treatment can keep students struggling.

4. Stress

The pressures of coursework, finances, and adjusting to living independently can take a significant toll on college students.

5. Mental Health

It’s interesting that this was one of the top concerns searched by students. As such a large umbrella term for many struggles students are facing, it’s hard to know exactly what kind of support students are looking for.

About Medicat

Medicat is the #1 EHR software provider in college health. Student health and counseling clinics use Medicat to improve the student experience, enabling providers to do what they do best – keeping students healthy.

About ConcernCenter

ConcernCenter is a leading provider of student well-being and mental health solutions for educational institutions. Their platform offers early intervention capabilities, student self-help modules, and robust reporting features to support student well-being.

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VeriVax

Unlocking the Power of VeriVax

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

An Implementation Guide for Colleges

Verifying out-of-state immunizations can be a headache – but it doesn’t have to be. With VeriVax, immunization compliance is simplified for colleges and universities!

Join us as we sit down with Beth Nettleton, Medicat’s Director of Customer Success, to explore the implementation process and benefits of VeriVax for your institution.

Q: How would you describe VeriVax to someone who has never heard of it?

A: VeriVax is a streamlined tool that enables students to input all addresses they lived at during the time they received vaccinations.

The system then retrieves their immunization records, and this discreet data is seamlessly integrated into your school’s EHR to ensure compliance with immunization requirements.

Q: When is the best time to implement VeriVax?

A: The ideal time to implement is typically in March or April, just before incoming fall students are required to meet immunization requirements.

However, we’ve had schools implement through all months of the year with great success.

Q: How long does VeriVax implementation take?

A: Standard implementation takes 3-4 weeks from contract signature until go-live.

If you are on a tighter timeline, please connect with a member of our team to discuss how we may be able to launch VeriVax on your campus on a condensed timeline.

Q: Who should be involved in the implementation process?

A: This is campus-specific. I recommend key staff who manage incoming student immunization compliance be involved in implementation.

Q: What does the VeriVax implementation process consist of?

A: Once a client finalizes their contract, they’re partnered with an Onboarding Specialist.

A kick-off call convenes key campus stakeholders, the Onboarding Specialist, and the Sales Executive to outline the implementation process.

During this call, goals are set and expectations are agreed upon. Then, the Onboarding Specialist and our technical team proceed with initial setup, including database configuration.

A follow up call is scheduled once the application is set up. On this call, the Onboarding Specialist will advise the client on how to word student instructions that will be added to the Patient Portal.

A final call will be conducted after go-live to answer any questions and review reporting capabilities.

Q: What contributes most to a smooth VeriVax rollout on campus?

A: From my experience, clear and concise instructions on your student portal and school website are crucial.

I love getting to work with schools to fine-tune the copy that guides students through the immunization compliance process.

I’ve even seen colleges post video walk-throughs that provide another format for students to follow.

Q: How does VeriVax integration impact clinic workflow and efficiency?

A:  VeriVax significantly enhances compliance with incoming student immunization requirements, eliminating the need for manual entry of records by students, and thus hours of grueling manual verification by clinic staff.

It’s a huge time and resource saver for campuses of all shapes and sizes.

Learn how your campus can enhance student immunization compliance with these six tips.

Q: How many other schools have implemented VeriVax programs?

A: Since we announced the availability of VeriVax, we’ve worked with 22 schools to implement the tool. Many more are nearly live.

They’re super excited to welcome the next incoming class of students with a more streamlined immunization compliance process. I can’t wait to support even more schools through implementation!

Key Takeaways

VeriVax has emerged as a game-changer in the realm of immunization compliance in higher education. From its user-friendly interface, to its significant impact on clinic workflow efficiency, VeriVax sets the standard for modern vaccine management.

We hope you found these insights valuable, and we look forward to supporting your institution in implementing this cutting-edge solution.

Looking for more helpful compliance content?

Guide to Automating Immunization Compliance

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Community Referrals

Optimizing Community Referrals for Mental Health

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Webinar Q&A recap with Michael Baker, CEO of ThrivingCampus and Courtney Nugent, Care Manager at Tufts University

The need to refer students to off-campus providers is an increasingly common reality. However, there are many challenges when it comes to successfully connecting your students with quality community providers!

1. Courtney, can you provide insights into how your campus manages mental health referrals to the community?

Certainly! At Tufts, we serve both undergraduate and graduate students across our campuses in Medford, Massachusetts, and Boston, including the SMFA Arts Campus.

Typically, we offer short-term care, although there’s no formal session limit. Some students prefer immediate off-campus referrals, while others require more complex care.

Approximately a quarter of our student population utilizes short-term care, facilitated by our sizable staff of over 20, comprising clinicians, prescribers, and urgent care providers. While clinicians primarily manage their referrals, as a care manager, I assist students needing additional support, particularly with insurance or navigating the healthcare system.

Additionally, I keep track of referrals from campus partners and students who self-refer. Our goal is to ensure seamless access to care for all students, regardless of their needs or circumstances.

2. What does the follow-up process look like for you, Courtney?

Typically, I schedule follow-up visits with students, either in a week or two weeks, depending on their plans. Additionally, I offer to stay in touch through the Medicat portal, providing students with the option to communicate with me securely.

After scheduling a follow-up, I send secure messages via Medicat at intervals of one week, two weeks, and three weeks if I haven’t heard back from the student. My outreach efforts cease after three attempts if there’s no response, although I always confirm that students have started outreach to providers before pausing my own communications.

3. Michael, are you seeing similar trends in other colleges?

Within ThrivingCampus, there’s a feature that functions similarly, sending students nudges to encourage engagement. Typically, we send the first nudge immediately after a student connects with care, then wait seven days before sending a second nudge if necessary. After three attempts, outreach ceases. Many schools express a desire to follow up with more students but must prioritize outreach for those in greatest need due to limited resources.

4. How do you ensure successful referrals?

Courtney: To ensure a successful referral, it’s crucial to establish rapport with students and create a safe space for them to express their preferences and needs. By encouraging students to voice their preferences aloud, we empower them to take charge of their mental health journey. I also emphasize instilling hope by highlighting the increased availability of providers over the years and reassuring students that we’re here to support them every step of the way. Additionally, I help students prioritize their preferences and set realistic expectations by discussing must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Normalizing roadblocks is also essential, as it’s common to encounter challenges during the referral process. By guiding students through these obstacles and encouraging persistence, we can navigate the journey together towards finding the right provider for them.

Michael: Ensuring successful referrals involves providing students with accessible pathways to care, whether they seek support independently or through a facilitated process like Courtney’s team. 60-70% of students use resources like ThrivingCampus to search for care independently, often facilitated by prominently placed links on counseling service websites. The remaining 30-40% of utilization occurs through team-led referrals, where customized referral lists are created for students. While technology aids in this process, our primary focus is on addressing low-tech challenges, such as ensuring provider availability, insurance acceptance, and basic compatibility. By streamlining access to care and prioritizing ease of communication between students and providers, we aim to maximize students’ opportunities to connect with suitable resources for their needs.

5. Michael, why is keeping the provider list up to date so important?

Providers have explained that they find it difficult to keep updated information on providers. I soon discovered that many counseling centers relied on outdated methods, such as Excel spreadsheets or physical notebooks, to track provider details like weekly availability and accepted insurance.

These methods were often inefficient, with sporadic attempts to update information annually, if at all. Clinics really need a tool that creates a centralized platform for providers to easily update their information, so it’s right at students’ fingertips.

6. What kind of trends are you seeing in telehealth availability?

Michael: The trend toward telehealth is growing, spurred by COVID-19’s impact. While some prefer in-person care, we’ve adapted our search results to highlight licensed telehealth providers. It’s about offering options—both in-person and virtual—to meet individuals’ changing needs and preferences.

Courtney: In the past year or so, I’ve noticed a shift in student preferences towards in-person care, especially in areas like Boston where there’s a high concentration of providers. However, as students begin their outreach, they often reconsider and opt for telehealth due to factors like convenience and availability. It’s critical to offer flexible options to meet students’ evolving needs and realities.

7. Do you have any tips for ensuring privacy during telehealth appointments?

A: We’ve collaborated with campus partners to establish a dedicated telehealth space in our library, which students can reserve online. Additionally, there are systems in place where students can register to book a classroom for their appointments.

While this initiative is relatively new, students have found success in using these reserved spaces for their privacy needs during telehealth appointments. It’s important to provide students with resources like reservation software to address challenges they may face in finding a private space for their appointments.

8. Courtney, how can schools streamline the referral process for students?

Courtney: Sharing these resources with students and empowering them to do research on their own is key. Many students are used to using these types of search tools, so they don’t need a ton of coaching there. Introducing the resource early in the process is what really makes the difference. I also schedule a short follow-up message once everything from our first meeting has digested a bit.

9. How can clinics prioritize student privacy throughout the referral process?

Michael: Student privacy is important and especially when we’re trying to share enough information about a student with a provider to coordinate a referral, you can consider doing that in a deidentified way. You can ask a provider if they have the capacity to work with a student on a particular type of concern, or if they take certain insurance, without providing any identifying information about the student.

Courtney: I try as much as I can to communicate through secure messages within the Medicat platform, instead of communicating over email. That’s the main way I keep student information and communication as private and secure as possible. If they’re not responding to secure messages, I’ll shoot them a quick (very generic) email prompting them to check the student portal for new messages from me.

Interested in watching the full webinar replay? Click here to access it.

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