Skip to main content

Author: Medicat

Wellness Reporting

From Data to Action: Improving Your Campus Through Reporting

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Wellness Reporting

In a society that values health and well-being more than ever, colleges and universities bear a significant responsibility to ensure the wellness of their students. One crucial component of this endeavor is the monitoring and reporting of services provided by these institutions. In this article, we delve deep into how to report on wellness services utilization.

Specifically, we will be discussing the impacts reporting can have on:

  • Student health clinics
  • Counseling centers
  • Immunization compliance management

The crux of any meaningful report is objective and accurate data. The utility of data in reporting cannot be overstated, as it forms the basis of the most insightful analyses and strategic decisions. The data sets visualized through reporting can offer holistic insights into health and counseling utilization patterns among students and can highlight specific groups of students, programs, or clinics that may need extra attention.

An effective EHR can interpret these data sets and unmask correlations and trends that might not be clear at first glance, thereby enabling colleges to make data-driven decisions to improve overall wellness strategy and the student experience.

Identifying Trends to Address Evolving Counseling Needs

Challenges such as academic stress, social anxiety, and depression call for effective counseling centers on campuses. Reporting on wellness service utilization can significantly improve the impact of counseling centers.

In addition to health screenings, counseling services data can provide valuable information on the mental health needs of students. By analyzing the number of counseling sessions conducted, the reasons for seeking counseling, and the outcomes of these sessions, colleges can better understand the mental health challenges faced by their students.

Reports can also highlight appointment wait times and session lengths. This data can then be used to allocate resources effectively, such as hiring more counselors or implementing outreach events. Lastly, real-time reports can flag any sudden increases in counseling needs, enabling swift institutional responses to pressing student needs.

With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among students, it’s crucial for colleges and universities to closely monitor the demand for and usage of these services. By examining the trends in mental health service utilization, institutions can decide if their current resources are sufficient to meet the growing needs of their students. It’s imperative that colleges use reporting to address these critical issues.

The Transformative Role of Reporting in College Health Centers

College health centers are the first line of defense when it comes to student health issues. Therefore, making the health center as effective as possible should top the priority list of college leaders.

Detailed reports can reveal the number of students seeking medical care, the types of health concerns addressed, and the outcomes of these consultations, providing valuable insights.

Reports can also help figure out if there are any potential outbreak scenarios occurring on campus. By analyzing this data, colleges can track common health issues among students, such as respiratory infections or stress-related conditions, and develop proactive strategies to promote health and wellbeing. This can include initiatives like educational workshops, campus-wide health campaigns, or specialized clinics to address growing student health needs.

Moreover, the analysis of trends in wellness services utilization should not be limited to the student population alone. It is equally important to examine the utilization patterns among faculty and staff members if they have access to health services on your campus. By understanding the needs of the entire campus community, schools can tailor their services to meet these diverse needs.

In addition, it’s important to analyze utilization trends related to preventative health services. By examining trends in preventive healthcare, institutions can determine if their efforts to promote and provide a preventive approach to care are effective.

How Reports Help Paint a Picture of Immunization Compliance

Vaccination is a potent weapon in a college’s healthcare arsenal. Ensuring immunization compliance among students is necessary not just for individual health, but for community wellbeing. Advanced immunization reports can track vaccination rates and reveal trends in immunization compliance.

Moreover, immunization data is vital for preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and ensuring the health and safety of students, staff, and faculty. By identifying any gaps in immunization coverage, colleges can implement targeted vaccination campaigns to increase compliance and protect against potential health risks. Therefore, through effective reporting and analysis, colleges can aspire to achieve better immunization compliance and foster a healthier campus community.

Identifying Opportunities for Improvement in Wellness Services Utilization

Reports do more than just highlight the utilization of your wellness offerings; they also pave the way for necessary improvements. By identifying underutilized resources or services that fail to meet students’ needs, institutions can take proactive steps to improve campus-wide wellness.

These changes can involve better allocation of resources, increased awareness campaigns for lesser-used services, or a complete overhaul of certain wellness programs. Also, student feedback can be an incredible tool for helping campus leaders understand why certain services aren’t being used.

Key Takeaways

By leveraging this rich data and effectively visualizing and interpreting it, colleges can gain a comprehensive understanding of the impacts (and/or shortcomings) of their wellness offerings. This information empowers colleges, including clinic leaders, to make data-driven decisions that are tailored to the unique needs of their student population.

By addressing underutilized or ineffective wellness initiatives, colleges can optimize the allocation of resources and improve the overall quality of care and student experience. Ultimately, advanced reporting on the utilization of wellness services is a powerful tool that enables colleges to create healthier and more supportive environments for their students.

Ready to see the impacts that reporting can make on your campus? Connect with a member of our team.

Industry Articles

Recent Medicat News

Continue reading

First-year Student Wellness

Navigating New Beginnings: Fostering First-Year Success through Student Wellness

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Navigating New Beginnings

Fostering First-Year Success through Wellness

In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, the transition to college life can be an overwhelming experience for many first-year students. With new responsibilities, academic challenges, and social pressures, it’s crucial for colleges to provide support systems that help students navigate and succeed. This blog explores various strategies that college leaders can employ to support first-year student success through wellness.

Continue reading to learn how your campus can foster a positive experience for first-year students and increase retention rates.

Promoting Wellness and Self-Care for First-Year Students

Adjusting to college life can be both exciting and stressful for first-year students. To help ease the transition, colleges can encourage wellness and self-care through simple, accessible practices. This might include offering workshops on stress management, mindfulness, or ways to handle challenges in healthy, effective ways.

In addition to workshops, colleges can create designated wellness spaces on campus where students can take breaks, meditate, or practice relaxation techniques. Peer support programs or wellness ambassadors can also play a role in promoting self-care by providing students with relatable guidance and encouragement. Additionally, colleges can offer resources like wellness apps or access to online self-care tools, making it easy for students to integrate healthy habits into their daily routines. Encouraging students to prioritize their well-being early on can lead to long-term benefits, helping them not only manage stress but also improve their overall academic performance and mental health.

Making Students Aware of the Health Center

Amid the whirlwind of classes, assignments, and campus activities, many students might not realize all the resources available to them—especially the health center, which is crucial for their well-being.

Campus health centers do more than treat illnesses; they promote self-care and help students build resilience. For many first-year students, it’s the first time they’ve had to make their own healthcare appointments, which can feel daunting. Colleges can make this process easier by ensuring the health center is well-known, approachable, and accessible. This can include creating clear, student-friendly materials that explain how to access services, what to expect during a visit, and the types of care offered, such as routine checkups, mental health services, and sexual health support.

Along with outreach efforts, health centers can partner with other departments to embed information into orientation programs, student handbooks, and campus tours. Social media, emails, and push notifications through student apps can also help raise awareness. Having health center staff engage in events or set up booths during club fairs or wellness days can further build familiarity and reduce any apprehension students might feel about seeking care. Normalizing visits to the health center can help students feel more comfortable accessing the care they need for a successful college experience.

Increasing Counseling Center Awareness

Having access to mental health support is key for the transition to college life. That’s why making sure students know about campus counseling center services is so important.

In addition to promoting counseling services through emails, campus announcements, and orientation sessions, colleges can use social media to reach students more effectively. Sharing mental health tips, anonymous student testimonials, and reminders about counseling resources can help reduce the stigma around seeking help. Hosting informal meet-and-greets with counselors can also make services feel more approachable.

Training faculty, staff, and resident assistants to spot signs of mental health struggles ensures that students get support even if they don’t actively seek it. Furthermore, peer support programs and mental health ambassadors can also play a role in spreading awareness. Thus, by making counseling services more visible and accessible, colleges help students feel supported and more willing to seek the help they need.

Bringing Awareness to Available Resources

Colleges offer a wide range of resources to help first-year students succeed both academically and personally. For example, libraries, career development offices, group exercise classes, and nutritionists all play a role in supporting students throughout their college journey. However, simply introducing these resources once is not enough. Therefore, colleges must consistently promote them through different channels to ensure students remain aware and can take full advantage of what’s available.

Additionally, colleges can increase awareness by organizing workshops, information sessions, and events that highlight these resources. They can also develop online platforms where students can easily access support and guidance. Moreover, by creating opportunities for students to connect through activities like club fairs, cultural festivals, and student-led discussions, colleges not only provide academic tools but also foster a sense of community and personal growth. This, in turn, helps students build friendships, explore new interests, and feel more integrated into campus life.

Key Takeaways

Inarguably, starting college can be tough on first-year students. This is why creating a campus where students feel supported and have easy access to help is essential for making a difference in their lives. Encouraging students to get involved in clubs and activities can also help foster community among students. Moreover, ensuring that students have access to health and counseling services gives them the tools they need to handle whatever comes their way. Combining these strategies can result in more supportive environments for first-year college students.

Need help connecting students with the right resources on your campus? Check out these expert insights.

Industry Articles

Recent Medicat News

Continue reading

Student Retention through mental health services

Mental Health Support Proven to Improve Student Retention 

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Mental health is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue among college students. The stress and pressure of academic demands, social expectations, and the transition to adulthood can take a toll on young adults, often leading to mental health concerns.

With retention top of mind for many institutions, let’s explore the importance of mental health services in supporting students throughout their educational journey. Additionally, we’ll discuss how colleges can provide support specifically targeted towards first-year students.

Center for Collegiate Mental Health Report Highlights (2022)

Student retention, defined as the ability of a student to persist and complete their educational goals, is a critical aspect of how colleges and universities gauge success. However, mental health challenges can harm a student’s ability to stay enrolled and excel academically. The link between mental health and student retention has been extensively studied, and the findings are alarming.

The 2022 Annual CCMH Report highlights key factors influencing student retention. Freshmen or first-year students facing high academic distress and a history of psychiatric hospitalization are 48% more likely to withdraw from school during treatment.  Protective factors like reduced depression, anxiety, and distress, along with involvement in extracurricular activities, greatly reduce withdrawal risk.  When academic distress improves significantly, the likelihood of withdrawal drops by 51%.

Impacts On School Performance

Reduced academic performance, lack of motivation, and limited social support systems are contributing factors to college students either dropping out or taking longer to complete their degrees. Furthermore, untreated mental health conditions can lead to a decline in overall well-being, making it even more challenging for students to stay engaged and focused on their studies.

Along with academic challenges, reduced motivation is another common consequence of mental health issues that can hinder student retention. Mental health conditions often take away from individuals’ drive, zest, and enthusiasm. Students struggling with their mental well-being may find it hard to muster the motivation to attend classes, participate in extracurricular activities, or engage in academic pursuits. This lack of motivation can create a vicious cycle, as the less involved a student becomes, the more isolated and disengaged they may feel from their educational journey.

Untreated mental health conditions can have far-reaching consequences beyond academic performance. The decline in overall wellness caused by these conditions can further hinder student retention. Mental health issues can affect various aspects of a student’s life, including their physical health, relationships, and ability to engage in self-care. When faced with the daily challenges of managing their mental health, students may find it difficult to prioritize their education and allocate the necessary time and energy to succeed academically.

Addressing First-Year Students’ Mental Health

The transition into college can be particularly challenging for first-year students. They’re often away from home for the first time, navigating a new environment, and building new social relationships. To support students during this critical period, colleges should consider the following:

  1. Implement orientation programs that address mental health and provide information on available support.

  2. Assign peer mentors to first-year students to help them navigate the college experience and offer guidance on mental health resources.

  3. Organize social events and activities that promote a sense of belonging and foster student connections.

  4. Create online platforms where students can seek advice and support from their peers or professionals.

  5. Regularly communicate through newsletters, emails, and social media sharing information on mental health resources and self-care practices.

The Role of College Counseling Centers

Recognizing the detrimental impact of mental health issues on student retention, colleges, and universities are increasingly prioritizing mental health services. Accessible and inclusive counseling services significantly improve retention rates for students facing mental health concerns. Offering therapy, support groups, and resources help students develop effective coping mechanisms to navigate the challenges of college life.

In addition to counseling services, colleges have also invested in mental health awareness campaigns and education programs. These initiatives help reduce mental health stigma, encouraging students to seek help and support without fear of judgment. Normalizing conversations about mental health is essential in fostering a campus culture that values and prioritizes the well-being of its students.

Key Takeaways

The impact of mental health on academic performance, overall well-being, and student retention is significant, making it imperative for colleges to prioritize mental health. By providing accessible services, promoting mental health awareness, and implementing strategies tailored to first-year students, colleges can support students in their journey toward achieving academic success while maintaining their mental health.

Continue Learning: Check out our blog, Creating Inclusive Health and Counseling Centers, to enhance your efforts to increase student retention, specifically amongst LGBTQIA+ students. 

Industry Articles

Recent Medicat News

Continue reading

Counseling EHR Frequently Asked Questions

Your Top Counseling EHR Questions Answered

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

How is patient privacy safeguarded? What sets Medicat apart from other solutions? How well does it integrate with your health clinic?

We’re here to answer these questions and more! We understand that transitioning to a new EHR can be challenging, so we’re committed to providing you with all the details needed to make an informed, confident decision. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about Medicat’s Counseling EHR Solution.

  • 1. How quickly can we implement Medicat’s counseling solution?

    Implementation can take as little as one month. We provide implementation “boot camps” to rapidly configure the solution to your needs and train your team. Timelines can vary depending on your organization’s unique requirements (e.g., historical record import, 3rd party system interfaces, etc.).

  • 2. How much does the Medicat Counseling solution cost?

    Pricing depends on several factors including the number of people in your clinic and your workflow. Please contact our team to learn more.

  • 3. Is Medicat’s counseling solution cloud-based?

    Yes. Medicat’s counseling solution is easily accessed via any web browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, etc.). The benefits of being cloud-based and web-based include better data protection, increased flexibility and scalability, and greater integration abilities.

  • 4. How is Medicat’s counseling solution different than Titanium?

    There are many differences between Medicat and Titanium. Most notably, Medicat’s Counseling solution is entirely web-based and hosted on servers that Medicat maintains with 99.99% uptime.

    Titanium, on the other hand, is installed locally at your institution (i.e., it is “on-premise” software), requiring your IT team to provision infrastructure to support the tool and any required integrations.

    View key differences between Medicat and Titanium here.

    For a more comprehensive comparison between Medicat and Titanium, please contact our team.

  • 5. Does Medicat support Single Sign-On (SSO)?

    Medicat supports the SAML protocol, which enables a number of SSO solutions such as Azure and Shibboleth.

  • 6. Does Medicat support integrated clinics?

    Medicat provides software tailored to the unique requirements of both health and counseling clinics AND enables integrated clinics to share patient information where appropriate.  The platform’s robust permission features ensure that every system user only has access to the data you want them to have access to.

    Alternatively, if your college prefers to run the health and counseling clinics separately, all patient records can be kept separate.

    Learn more about managing shared data between health and counseling centers here. 

  • 7. Can I use Medicat to manage my counseling trainees?

    Yes, The Medicat counseling solution has a dedicated supervision module to make trainee management painless.

    Many clinics employ interns that require training, documentation management, hours tracking, note review and feedback, etc.

    The Medicat Counseling Supervision Module minimizes the burden of managing counseling trainees with smart, purpose-built features that fit seamlessly with the rest of your clinic’s workflow.

  • 8. How does Medicat ensure client data is secure?

    Medicat’s systems and processes are designed to be consistent with HIPAA guidelines as well as the Service Organization Control Type 2 (SOC 2) framework, a cybersecurity compliance framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

    In addition to managing system performance and security day to day, Medicat performs SOC 2 audits on an annual basis. Learn more about Medicat’s industry-leading security. 

  • 9. My counseling center is a member of CCMH – does Medicat contribute to the Standardized Data Set (SDS)?

    Absolutely! College counseling centers using Medicat One are able to integrate the Standard Data Set client information questions into any form they use with students.

    See our integration with CCMH in action here.

Industry Articles

Continue reading

Major League Baseball with Medicat

Medicat Expands Mental Health Solution to Support Major League Baseball

Written by Medicat on . Posted in News & Press.

Mental Health in Major League Baseball

Medicat, the #1 provider of electronic health records software in college health, is thrilled to announce its expansion into supporting the mental health of professional sports teams. Medicat has partnered with a major league baseball team to provide comprehensive EHR software to securely manage the team’s mental health initiatives. Services are accessible to major league players, minor league players, and team staff.

Openly discussing mental health has not always been the norm in professional sports. However, in the early 2000s, mental health took center stage in the MLB when multiple players placed themselves on the “disability list” due to mental health challenges. This growing trend ignited a reckoning within the league and ultimately led many teams to enhance their mental health offerings for athletes.

As a trusted provider of EHR solutions for educational institutions, Medicat brings a wealth of expertise in supporting mental health and well-being. By expanding its solutions to professional sports, Medicat aims to address the growing challenges faced by athletes at the highest level of competition.

“Today’s announcement marks an exciting milestone for Medicat as we venture into the professional sports market,” said Adam Cole, Medicat’s CEO. “By integrating evidence-based practices and collaborating with mental health professionals, we’re helping athletes thrive. This solution will have a significant impact on the performance and well-being of professional athletes.”

Key benefits include customizable notes and treatment plans, as well as secure patient communications. Ultimately, the solution empowers teams to proactively manage mental health to support athlete wellbeing.

Latest News & Press

Continue reading

Safeguarding Student Privacy

Safeguarding Student Privacy: How Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Bolster Security

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have brought about a revolutionary transformation in the management of patient data within healthcare facilities. Not only do they provide a centralized platform for storing and accessing medical information, but they also offer a myriad of security features to safeguard sensitive data. In educational settings, EHRs play a crucial role in ensuring student privacy amidst growing concerns about data breaches and cyber threats. This article will delve into the intricacies of EHR security and explore how colleges can establish a secure environment for student health data.

Exploring the Security Features of EHRs

    1. Encryption

    One of the key advantages of EHRs is their advanced security infrastructure. These systems employ various measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Encryption, for instance, ensures that data is encoded and can only be deciphered by authorized personnel. This encryption process involves converting the original data into a cipher text, making it virtually impossible for hackers or unauthorized individuals to access and understand the information. This advanced level of data protection ensures that students’ records remain confidential and secure.

    2. Access Controls

    In addition to encryption, EHRs also implement access controls such as passwords and user authentication mechanisms. These measures add an extra layer of protection, limiting data access to authorized individuals only. Passwords are typically required to be complex, with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This ensures that only authorized personnel with the correct credentials can access the system and view patient records. User authentication mechanisms, such as biometric identification or two-factor authentication, further enhance the security of EHRs by requiring additional verification steps to confirm the identity of the user.

    3. Role-Based Access Control

    Moreover, EHRs also employ role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure that users are granted access only to the information necessary for their roles. RBAC provides a granular level of control, allowing administrators to define specific permissions and restrictions for each user. This ensures that sensitive patient data is only accessible to healthcare professionals who require it for providing appropriate care. This can be especially important when managing the data shared between health and counseling clinics on campus. By implementing RBAC, EHRs minimize the risk of unauthorized access and inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information.

Mitigating Security Risks in EHRs

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have revolutionized the healthcare industry by providing a secure and efficient way to store and access patient information. However, like any digital system, EHRs are not immune to vulnerabilities. It is essential for colleges and universities to take proactive measures to regularly assess and mitigate potential security risks to student data.

    1. Vulnerability Assessments

    One of the key steps in mitigating security risks in EHRs is conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. These tests involve simulating real-world attacks to identify any weaknesses in the system. By proactively identifying vulnerabilities, healthcare organizations can take appropriate measures to address them before they are exploited by malicious actors.

    2. Keeping Software Updated

    In addition to vulnerability assessments, keeping EHR systems up to date with the latest security patches and software updates is crucial. Software vendors regularly release updates that include security fixes for known vulnerabilities. By promptly applying these updates, healthcare organizations can ensure that their EHR systems are equipped with the necessary defenses against emerging threats.

    3. Employee Training & Awareness Programs

    Regular staff training and awareness programs are also essential in mitigating security risks in EHRs. Health and counseling clinics should educate their staff about best practices for data security, such as the importance of not sharing passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and reporting any suspicious activities. By fostering a culture of security awareness, colleges and universities can empower their employees to be vigilant and proactive in protecting student information. While EHRs provide enhanced security features, it is crucial for healthcare organizations to regularly assess and mitigate potential security risks.

Leveraging EHRs to Enhance Security Audits

  • EHRs can serve as a valuable tool in conducting security audits. By providing a centralized database of user activity and changes made to patient records, institutions can easily generate comprehensive audit reports. These reports can be used to identify any patterns of non-compliance, unauthorized access attempts, or potential breaches. This allows organizations to take proactive measures to rectify any issues and strengthen their security protocols.

The Role of HIPAA Compliance in EHRs

  • Adhering to the regulations set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is crucial for maintaining the security and privacy of student health data. Take your students’ privacy a step further and go 100% paperless. EHRs should be designed and configured to comply with HIPAA standards, ensuring that data is stored and transmitted securely.comprehensive audit reports.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, EHRs offer a multitude of security features that can help educational institutions ensure student privacy and protect sensitive health data. By exploring and utilizing these features, establishing a secure environment, and adhering to HIPAA compliance, institutions can mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and cyber threats. Embracing EHRs not only streamlines healthcare operations but also enhances the security and privacy of student health information.

Is your health clinic or counseling center in need of a secure EHR designed to prioritize student privacy? Schedule a demo with our team today!

Industry Articles

Recent Medicat News

30 years in college health
500 + Client Sites
100 + Unique Integrations

Continue reading

nurse ehr

The Inside Scoop on EHRs From a Former Nurse

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Interview with CJ Pellegrino, Customer Success Manager at Medicat and Former Nurse

When in the market for a new EHR solution, it’s important to ensure that the system you’re choosing is user-friendly and in the best interest of your staff members who will be using the software day in and day out. What better way to find out what features of an EHR are most helpful for nurses than asking a former nurse themself?

One of our Customer Success Managers, CJ Pellegrino, is a former nurse. They sat down with us to spill the inside scoop on their previous roles and experience with EHRs in the Q&A below.

CJ’s experience includes working as an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) nurse, working in the home hospice care setting, and working at a family practice where their role was focused on practice management and billing. CJ worked with EHRs for many years and provides helpful insights that can be utilized to evaluate an EHR solution. Here’s what they had to say:

1. What kind of EHR did you use in your previous roles? And what features did you use most frequently?

I used several EHRs during my tenure as a nurse. The features I found most important and relevant to my position included those supporting documentation, medication management, and scheduling.

2. How often did you use the EHR?

During my nursing career, I engaged with EHR systems daily across various roles.

  • As an IDD nurse, I used the software mid-shift and at the end of each day to manage patient documentation.
  • In hospice care, I relied on the EHR after every client visit to ensure accurate and timely records.
  • Later, as a clinical administrator, the EHR became a vital tool I used daily to oversee clinic operations effectively.

3. Was the software easy to learn? Was robust training offered?

The EHR provider and the companies I worked for did not offer formal training. Instead, I learned to use the software from coworkers. So my skills and knowledge were limited by what they were able to share with me on the fly.

While I wanted to deepen my understanding of the EHRs, finding relevant resources was a challenge. I discovered prerecorded training videos on the EHR’s website, but they were brief and lacked depth. There were no live trainings, Help Center articles, or other opportunities for hands-on learning. Most of the available resources focused on administrative setup rather than practical guidance for healthcare providers/end users.

4. Do you think using an EHR made your job easier or more difficult?

Using an EHR is undeniably more convenient than traditional paper-based methods. It saves time by allowing for quick electronic data entry and significantly reduces the risk of losing, misplacing, or incorrectly recording information.

However, without proper training, the learning curve can be steep. With adequate training and support, though, anyone can learn how to use an EHR and leverage it to improve their workflow and how they provide care. It’s just a matter of having the right support in place to help you get there.

5. What are the top three pain points for nurses that you think a good EHR can solve? 

  1. Templatizing Documentation: If an EHR has the ability to create templates and standard notes, this is a HUGE time-saver when it comes to complex documentation. Documentation is a big part of a nurse’s job, and templates in a good EHR can make the process way more efficient.
  2. The Ability to Interface: Having all features and integrations streamlined is crucial for keeping things running smoothly. Opening several programs to properly document patients wastes a lot of time, which means less time to focus on quality patient care. A good EHR should have the ability to execute most, if not all, tasks in one program. For example, easily verifying immunizations and lab results within the EHR can be super helpful.
  3. Ensuring Safety for Patients: Most importantly, a good EHR should promote patient safety. EHRs should offer ongoing training and support so staff and providers are able to use the software properly. It’s easy for patient information to become lost or disorganized if all members using the system are not properly trained on how to use the EHR, which threatens patient safety.

6. What are the best features of Medicat’s EHR that you think would benefit nurses the most?

Templates and the Template Transaction Linker are invaluable tools that save significant time and streamline workflows. Note Favorites also play a crucial role in standardizing commonly used note types, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

Additionally, fully leveraging the patient portal is essential. Reflecting on my previous nursing experience, we didn’t utilize the patient portal, and now I see how transformative it could have been for both patients and staff. This highlights just how impactful proper training and support can be in maximizing an EHR’s potential and enhancing overall productivity for healthcare teams.

Key Takeaways:

EHRs play a significant role in the workflow of your clinic. When staff members (especially nurses) are working with an EHR they find user-friendly and streamlined, they’re able to work much more efficiently. More patients can be seen, time will be saved, and care quality will improve.

At Medicat, we’re committed to providing you with top-of-the-line support. We have a team dedicated to assist you with any questions that may arise while using the EHR. Our team also offers regular training sessions and webinars, so you’re never left in the dark.

What else can EHRs do for your campus clinic? Check out one of our other articles, Five Challenges Solved by EHRs, to learn more.

Industry Articles

Recent Medicat News

Continue reading

Power of EHR

Unlocking the Power of EHRs: Enhancing Student Education and Empowerment

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Powerful EHR at your fingertips

Electronic health records (EHRs) are essential for keeping health and counseling clinics organized and for promoting efficiency among providers and staff members.

Patient Portals in particular are a key tool to help enhance the student experience. At first thought, many may think that EHRs solely enhance clinical workflow and efficiency, but an exceptional EHR system can benefit both providers and their patients.

Here’s how EHRs can enhance student education and empowerment:

Enhancing Accessibility for All Students

EHRs can help promote patient education by giving students the freedom to easily access their health information and any associated educational resources online.

When students have virtual access to this information, it’s much more convenient for them to engage with their health anytime, anywhere. Although providers verbally communicate information during appointments, students may forget details or wish to share the information with others.

By providing a way for students to review this information, they can ensure they didn’t miss anything, leading to better engagement in their health. This empowerment can reduce anxiety, improve medication adherence, strengthen patient-provider relationships, and enhance health outcomes.

The Power of Secure Messaging

Within your EHR system, you likely have the option to securely message students to further boost patient education and empowerment. With secure messaging, patients and providers can communicate with each other in a safe, confidential manner.

According to, The HIPAA Journal, secure messaging has been shown to “accelerate clinical workflows and help accelerate patient throughput, reduce the potential for medical errors, increase patient satisfaction, improve clinical outcomes, and significantly reduce costs while ensuring compliance with HIPAA.”

Furthermore, with secure messaging, students can easily reach out to clinic staff with questions as they arise, eliminating the hassle of phone tag or waiting until their next appointment.

As a result, this significantly increases patient satisfaction, as students get their questions answered much more quickly and responses are tailored to them and their health history. Students may even feel more comfortable disclosing information via a secure messaging portal rather than face-to-face with their provider, resulting in more thorough patient care.

Moreover, students may choose to provide health information to their providers through secure messaging. For example, students may be able to take their own blood pressure or glucose level readings, so that their provider can easily provide additional care.

Digital Documents and Resources

Additionally, providers can attach or upload digital documents into their EHR system for students to view.

For example, following an appointment, providers can attach relevant educational materials, discharge paperwork, or test results. This empowers students to access detailed information about their visit, conduct further research, and take an active role in managing their health.

Moreover, adopting digital documentation can significantly reduce the administrative burden on staff. By eliminating the need for paper-based records, clinics can streamline processes, save time, and create a more organized and efficient workspace.

This allows healthcare professionals to focus on providing high-quality care and building stronger relationships with their patients.

Optimizing Outreach Events

Along with informational resources and medical documents, clinic staff may also want to promote upcoming events.

For instance, student health centers may want to promote their upcoming flu clinic, and counseling centers may want to notify students of a meditation workshop during finals week. This helps students take advantage of the programming clinics work so hard to organize.

The possibilities for boosting patient education and engagement through an EHR system are virtually endless! With strategic planning and effective communication, clinics can use their EHR to maximize outreach efforts and provide students with the support they need to thrive.

Learn more about connecting students with key resources here.

Key Takeaways

EHRs do more than just help with clinic productivity and efficiency. They also help promote patient education. Furthermore, an effective EHR system allows students to easily access their health records, communicate with clinic staff, receive valuable resources, and attend helpful events.

Rather than having to worry about patients forgetting what was stated during an appointment, EHRs can do all the work for clinic staff while also giving patients the tools they need to further their knowledge to reach their health and wellness goals.

Curious about the impact an EHR can have on your campus? Check out how Abilene Christian University improved the student experience using automated messages, simple check-in forms, and text reminders.

Industry Articles

Recent Medicat News

Continue reading

Healthcare Provider Burnout

Enhancing Provider Well-Being in College Health Centers: How to Prevent Burnout

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Healthcare Provider Burnout
The Campus Healthcare Provider Burnout Struggle is Real!

Healthcare providers play a vital role in keeping the world (and especially campuses!) running smoothly. Because of the demanding nature of their careers, they are especially susceptible to becoming overwhelmed. In the college and university setting, this fatigue can teeter on the edge of burnout. Even the National Library of Medicine asserts that burnout in the healthcare setting can leave a detrimental impact on providers, patients, and the institution itself. Taking the right measures to ensure your staff’s well-being can help offset these risks.

There are several strategies that clinics can implement to prevent and combat provider and staff burnout:

1. Foster Positive Work Environments

Healthcare providers thrive in environments that support ethical and meaningful care. Creating a supportive workplace starts with maintaining an organized office. A clean and tidy workspace—both physical and digital—reduces stress, improves focus, and supports mental well-being. Intuitive EHR systems and clear organization help providers access the tools and information they need, boosting productivity and lowering frustration.

Strong communication is another pillar of a positive work environment. Ensuring smooth and effective communication between team members keeps appointments, documentation, and workflows on track. Clinics that emphasize open dialogue reduce misunderstandings, enhance collaboration, and create a more harmonious workplace.

Acknowledging employees’ efforts is equally important. Regularly expressing appreciation fosters a culture of value and respect. Staff who feel recognized are often more motivated, engaged, and committed to their roles. A simple gesture of gratitude can go a long way in building team morale and workplace satisfaction.

2. Offer Technological Solutions

Outdated systems and inefficient tools can contribute to frustration and burnout. Clinics equipped with modern, user-friendly technology can optimize daily operations and improve overall productivity. Implementing an advanced EHR system simplifies administrative tasks like scheduling, record-keeping, and patient charting.

Centralized software reduces the need for multiple programs or manual paperwork, creating a more organized and secure system for managing student data. Efficient tools also enable providers to spend less time on documentation and more time delivering quality care. Features like one-click input and streamlined charting save time while improving accuracy and reducing stress.

Investing in the right technology ensures that staff can easily handle higher patient volumes, keeping clinics running smoothly and providers focused on what matters most—student care.

3. Offer Options for Flexible Work Environments

Flexibility in the workplace can also reduce burnout. Allowing providers to work remotely or offer telehealth appointments gives them greater control over their schedules. Flexibility helps staff balance work and personal commitments, leading to better mental health and job satisfaction.

Incorporating per diem staff is another way to support flexibility. On-call staff can step in when needed, preventing full-time employees from feeling overwhelmed. Flexible scheduling options, like shorter or alternative shift lengths, also enhance work-life balance.

Research shows that nurses working shifts of ten hours or longer are significantly more likely to experience burnout, job dissatisfaction, and an intention to leave their roles compared to those working shorter shifts. Thus, adequate staffing and thoughtful scheduling are both crucial to preventing provider fatigue.

Finally, when staff have input on their schedules, they feel empowered and valued. This approach reduces fatigue, increases motivation, and helps clinics maintain a high standard of care.

Key Takeaways

Taking care of healthcare providers ensures better outcomes for everyone. Burnout can result in fewer students being seen, a decline in care quality, and increased turnover—all of which impact clinic efficiency and the student experience. 

Creating a positive workplace, integrating modern tools, and offering flexibility can alleviate these challenges and help teams thrive. Prioritize staff well-being to create a workplace where providers feel supported, students receive exceptional care, and your clinic continues to succeed.

Learn about the impact Medicat’s EHR can have on your campus. View Wesleyan’s success story. 

Industry Articles

Recent Medicat News

Continue reading

EHR Implementation Q & A

EHR Implementation Q&A

Written by Medicat on . Posted in Industry Articles.

Switching to a new EHR system may seem daunting. At Medicat, we strive to make the process as smooth as possible. One of the ways we do this is with our thorough implementation process. This blog contains information that will help give you better insight into our implementation process, and how you can prepare for a successful launch with Medicat.

Our Implementation Team will walk you through setting up your software and demonstrate how to use it. The following questions are answered by one of our Customer Onboarding Specialists, Katie Gray, who provides specific information on how the implementation process works while offering recommendations and strategies to maximize the benefits of implementation.

  • Q1. Why is implementation so important?

    We want to provide our clients with the best outcome during their transition to Medicat. Because we’re able to tailor the software to our clients’ needs, our Implementation Specialists collaborate very closely with our clients to personalize the implementation process to meet shared goals and timelines. We aim to demonstrate how to use the many tools available through our software so that our clients feel empowered to use the platform once they’ve officially “gone live.”

  • Q2. What does the implementation process generally look like?

    Each implementation is tailored to the unique needs of the clients we’re working with. However, here’s a taste of what the implementation process generally looks like:

    1. After a client has signed their contract, they are assigned to work with an Implementation Specialist.
    2. A kick-off call is scheduled to bring key client stakeholders, the Implementation Specialist, and the Sales Executive together to discuss what implementation will look like.
    3. During the kick-off call, the Implementation Specialist will help the client set goals and agree on expectations for the process. Some clients may come in with a “launch day” in mind, which we try our hardest to accommodate. We also have the option to launch certain parts of the EHR software for clients who would prefer to take a more gradual approach to implementation.
    4. Next, the Implementation Specialist will dive into the initial setup. This includes setting up the database, adding the client’s custom branding to their new Patient Portal, organizing requirements for the demographic import file, setting up single sign-on, and creating the first user’s credentials and profile within the software. 

    From this point on, Medicat follows a standard Implementation Plan that we adjust to our client’s unique needs. After the kick-off call, there are typically 1-hour calls scheduled weekly between the Implementation Specialist and the client. In the first implementation call, we determine who will be involved in the implementation process, and a go-live date will be established based on the timeline that was discussed on the kick-off call.

  • Q3. How long does implementation take on average?

    Implementation can take as little as one month. Medicat provides implementation “bootcamps” to rapidly configure the solution to your needs and train your team. Timelines can vary depending on your organization’s unique requirements (e.g., historical record import, 3rd party system interfaces, etc.).

  • Q4. Should your IT Department be involved with implementation?

    Yes, after assessing the clinic’s needs and requirements, we then establish the key contacts from your IT Department and make introductions. We always encourage the key IT person professional who supports the clinic to be at least involved in the demographic file and single sign-on authentication setup process. Sometimes, we work with IT to plan the software installation and configuration process, as well. Finally, we work through any potential roadblocks to data migration.

  • Q5. What do you consider to be most important when it comes to change management? How about end-user adoption of the EHR?

    What’s most important when it comes to change management is ensuring that the client understands that Medicat is here for them. We want to help our clients meet their clinic’s goals and ensure a seamless transition.

    In addition to the implementation process, we have a dedicated team of Customer Support Specialists available to troubleshoot with clients as needed. Medicat also offers a robust online Help Center with a wide range of information that covers many common questions, details on product updates, video tutorials, and more. We never want a client to walk away from implementation feeling like they are on their own; they will always have ongoing support beyond the implementation phase.

  • Q6. Are there other trainings or resources available during the implementation process?

    Depending on the products purchased, clients may have the opportunity to participate in “boot camps” conducted by Medicat, where they can gain a deeper understanding of how to utilize the software. These boot camps involve a collaborative process, allowing clients to exchange ideas and support one another as they go through implementation together.

  • Q7. What key factors make an implementation successful?

    There are several factors that significantly contribute to a successful implementation:

    1. Quickly and clearly identify someone on the client’s team who acts as the “Super User” for their clinic. That way, we can work with this individual one-on-one using a sort of “train the trainer” model.
    2. It’s key that both the client and the Implementation Specialist enter this process with the goal of creating a true partnership. It’s super helpful when the client is comfortable providing us with feedback, is thoroughly engaged, and asks questions to aid their learning.
    3. Selecting a core group of staff and providers to go through implementation always streamlines the process. This allows us to be efficient with our weekly meetings. Of course, we can adjust certain weekly training to include a larger group of staff members, but having a core group to champion the transition and dive deep into the product tends to make all the difference.

  • Q8. Are there better times than others to plan to go through the Implementation Process?

    We’ve noticed schools tend to maximize the benefits of implementation when they start in the middle of the fall semester, or at the beginning of the spring semester. This timing is usually when the staff is regularly available and keeps the information fresh.

    It’s common for a school to want to kick off the implementation process at the beginning of the summer, but with vacation scheduling, logistics can be tough. Plus, staff and providers are not able to test their knowledge in the clinical environment until late August or early September, which makes it hard to truly integrate the product learnings into their daily practices.

In Conclusion

With a thirty-year track record, Medicat has established itself as the foremost provider of software solutions for college health, serving more colleges and universities than all other EHR vendors combined. To optimize the transition to Medicat’s software, careful planning, effective communication, and comprehensive training of key clinic personnel are essential for maximizing the software’s potential and ensuring the best user (and student) experience. Through it all, we want you to know that we are here to support you and your team.

Allow Medicat’s EHR software to function as a valuable tool for your clinic to improve patient care and administrative efficiency. Reach out today to learn more about our implementation process.

Industry Articles

Recent Medicat News

Continue reading