Automating SHARRS report creation

EHR, School nursing, Software

What is SHARRS? SHARRS is a secure, web-based system that allows educational institutions in Pennsylvania to electronically submit their “Request for Reimbursement and Report of School Health Services. SHARRS reporting is required for all public-school districts, private schools, charter schools, and comprehensive career and technology centers in Pennsylvania. The SHARRS report must be submitted by the superintendent/CEO no later than September 30th of each year. SHARRS helps to: Keep track of health program progress and identify areas of improvement. Receive reimbursement for school health services costs. Provides data to the Pennsylvania Department of Health to improve state school health programs. What makes SHARRS reporting complex? There are several factors that contribute to the complexity of SHARRS report creation. Data collection and entry: The SHARRS report collects data on a variety of school health topics, including student health status, dental and medical health service utilization, selected nursing activity, and school health expenditures. This data can be challenging to collect and enter, especially for larger school districts. Report format and criteria: The SHARRS report must be submitted in a specific format and must meet certain criteria. This can be challenging for schools that do not have a lot of experience with SHARRS reporting. Resources and time constraints: School health teams often have limited resources and time to complete the SHARRS report. This can make it difficult to ensure that the report is completed accurately and on time. In addition to these challenges, school health teams may also face the following when compiling a SHARRS report: Lack of awareness and training: Some school health professionals may not be aware of the SHARRS report or may not have received training on how to complete it. Technological challenges: Some schools may not have access to the technology needed to compile and submit the SHARRS report electronically. Coordination challenges: The SHARRS report requires input from a variety of school staff members, including school nurses, administrators, and teachers. Coordinating the data collection and report completion process can be challenging. How EduHealth automates and simplifies SHARRS reporting EduHealth is an EHR system for schools that allows you to create report you need for submissions in a matter of clicks. Eliminates data entry: The EduHealth system automatically pulls the information needed to create reports from information entered by your school teams making the process of data collection simple. There’s no need to manually enter or generate any data because it is all already there in the system. Follows format compliance: The report is created in the format specified by Pennsylvania Department of Health, and it eliminates all manual effort required to ensure compliance with mandated format. Eliminates dependence on resources: When your SHARRS reporting is completely automated, it eliminates dependencies on your school health teams allowing them to focus on the main job at hand – that is taking care of students. It saves them significant time and effort. Together with this, automating your request for reimbursement reporting eliminates the need for your school health teams to have awareness on the pre-requisites or training for building this comprehensive report. All that needs to be ensured is that your school health teams are making timely updates on EduHealth and recording all information accurately all year long. Once this is done, your reports can be put together in just a matter of clicks in minutes. Click here to have a chat with us Best practices to simplify SHARRS reporting Report submissions are a hectic process, but they do not have to be. Following best practices while building your reports will have you working in a time-bound manner and effectively. So here you go, the best practices to simplify SHARRS reporting: To ensure timely submission of the report, it is advised to commence data collection early in the school year. By initiating this process ahead of time, you will have a greater opportunity to compile the necessary data and meet the submission deadline. Incorporate a spreadsheet or alternative software program into your workflow to effectively arrange the data. This approach will enhance the ease of inputting the data into the SHARRS system. Thoroughly examine the SHARRS User Instruction Manual, paying close attention to its contents. This comprehensive guide offers detailed step-by-step instructions on successfully completing the report. You can always use EduHealth to generate SHARRS with a single click for your school. Click here to have a chat with us Why Choose EduHealth for SHARRS Reporting?

Maximizing Student Information Management: The Power of Integrating SIS with EduHealth EHR

EHR, Software

Maximizing Student Information Management: The Power of Integrating SIS with EduHealth EHR Schools are tasked with managing a vast amount of student information every day. From attendance records to academic performance and health-related data, there is a lot of information to be managed. Most schools do not have a robust system in place for comprehensive management of student information. Some schools use Student Information Systems like PowerSchool to manage their students’ academic data but do not have systems for school health records resulting in fragmented information. This is where the integration of Student Information Systems (SIS) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) becomes important. Effective SIS-EHR integration can help the challenges schools face in managing student information and streamline their processes helping in enhancing student care. Let’s take a look at how the combination of PowerSchool’s SIS and EduHealth EHR can revolutionize information management at schools. The Importance of SIS-EHR Integration Schools are tasked with managing a vast amount of student information every day. From attendance records to academic performance and health-related data, there is a lot of information to be managed. Most schools do not have a robust system in place for comprehensive management of student information. Some schools use Student Information Systems like PowerSchool to manage their students’ academic data but do not have systems for school health records resulting in fragmented information. This is where the integration of Student Information Systems (SIS) and Electronic Health Records (EHR) becomes important. Effective SIS-EHR integration can help the challenges schools face in managing student information and streamline their processes helping in enhancing student care. Let’s take a look at how the combination of PowerSchool’s SIS and EduHealth EHR can revolutionize information management at schools. Challenges in Managing Student Information Let’s first take a look at the challenges schools face in managing student information such as, Data fragmentation: Information about students is often scattered across various platforms, making accessing a comprehensive view of each student difficult. Security concerns: Protecting sensitive student data is paramount. Schools must ensure that their systems are secure and compliant with data protection regulations. Efficiency gaps: Manual data entry and data silos can lead to inefficiencies and errors in information management. Communication barriers: Lack of integration can hinder effective communication between academic and health personnel, impacting students’ well-being. The Role of SIS in Schools Student Information Systems (SIS) play a pivotal role in schools by centralizing academic data. PowerSchool, a widely adopted SIS solution, offers a range of features, including: Student enrollment: Streamlining the admissions process from application to enrolment. Grade and Attendance Tracking: Real-time access to students’ academic performance and attendance records. Parent and Teacher Portals: Enhancing communication between parents, teachers, and administrators. Custom reporting: Generating customized reports to support data-driven decision-making. The Need for EHR in Schools While SIS focuses on academic data, Electronic Health Records (EHR) are essential for managing student health information. EduHealth stands out as an ideal choice for educational settings due to its comprehensive features, including: Health history tracking: Recording and managing students’ medical histories and conditions. Immunization Records: Ensuring compliance with immunization requirements and tracking vaccine records. Allergy information and Medication Management: Identifying and addressing allergies and medication needs. Nurse’s Dashboard: Providing school nurses with quick access to vital health information and minimizing administrative tasks. Immunization Tracking: Easily monitor and maintain up-to-date immunization records, ensuring students meet vaccination requirements. Parent Communication: Enhance school-to-parent communication with timely health updates and important information. One-click Reporting: Simplify administrative tasks by generating necessary reports with a single click, reducing staff workload and streamlining operations. Benefits of SIS-EHR Integration The advantages of integrating PowerSchool or any SIS with EduHealth are, Streamlined information: Eliminate data silos and ensure that academic and health data seamlessly interact, providing a holistic view of each student. Efficiency and accuracy: Reduce administrative burden and minimize the risk of errors by automated data sharing between systems. Enhanced student care: Empower educators and health professionals to provide tailored support and care based on comprehensive student information. Data security: Maintain the highest level of data security and compliance with regulations, ensuring the protection of sensitive student information. Improved communication: Facilitate communication between teachers, nurses, and administrators, promoting a collaborative approach to student well-being. In conclusion, PowerSchool- EduHealth EHR integration at schools is a game-changer. By harnessing the power of PowerSchool and EduHealth, schools can maximize their student information management capabilities, providing a safer, more efficient, and more supportive learning environment. As the education landscape continues to evolve, embracing this integration is a step toward ensuring the well-being and success of every student.

How chartered schools benefit from EHR software: integration & challenges

EHR, Software

  How Chartered Schools Benefit from EHR Software: Integration & Challenges In today’s digital age, integrating Electronic Health Records (EHR) software in chartered schools offers numerous benefits for school nurses, healthcare professionals, and parents. EHR integration in chartered schools facilitates seamless communication, collaboration, and data sharing, resulting in improved student healthcare, well-being, and educational outcomes. However, successful implementation requires careful consideration of challenges such as privacy, security, and equitable access. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of EHR integration in chartered schools, the opportunities they provide for teachers and administrators, and the steps required for successful implementation. Integrating EHRs in chartered schools EHR integration involves the incorporation of digital health records into the administrative and healthcare systems of chartered schools. It streamlines medical information management, enhances efficiency, and ensures easy access to vital student health data. To learn how to implement EHR in schools and know more EHRs in schools, go through our latest blog. Benefits of EHR integration in chartered schools Improved healthcare coordination: EHRs enable seamless collaboration between school nurses, healthcare professionals, and parents, ensuring better coordination of student care. Enhanced data accuracy: Digital records reduce errors, duplicate entries, and misplaced paperwork, leading to accurate and up-to-date health information. Time-saving and efficiency: EHRs automate routine tasks, such as record-keeping and scheduling, allowing school nurses and healthcare staff to focus more on student care. Streamlined communication: EHRs enable secure and instant communication among school nurses, school admins, parents, and other healthcare collaborators to foster effective collaboration and timely intervention. Data-driven decision-making: EHRs provide access to comprehensive health data, empowering school nurses and administrators to make informed decisions regarding student well-being and personalized learning strategies. Facilitating Communication and Collaboration: Electronic health records in chartered schools bridge the communication gap between school nurses, healthcare professionals, and parents. They allow for real-time updates, secure messaging, and easy sharing of health-related information, fostering a collaborative environment for student care.   Opportunities EHRs provide for teachers and school administrators Interoperability and student transitions: EHRs enable seamless data transfer and sharing between different educational systems or institutions, ensuring continuity of health care for students who transition between schools. School nurses and administrators can access vital health information, enabling them to provide necessary support and accommodations to ensure a smooth transition. Quick access and overcoming any digital divide: To ensure quick access to EHRs in chartered schools, steps must be taken to address any digital divide. Initiatives such as providing access to technology, training staff, and offering multilingual support can help to foster equal opportunities for all students.   Successful EHR implementation in chartered schools Revolutionizing student healthcare and well-being: Implementing EHRs in chartered schools can revolutionize student healthcare by enabling early intervention, personalized care plans, and comprehensive health monitoring. EHRs empower school nurses and healthcare professionals to identify trends, track progress, and address health concerns promptly. Privacy and security considerations: Protecting the privacy and security of electronic health records in educational settings is crucial. Robust data encryption, access controls, and staff training can mitigate risks and ensure compliance with relevant privacy laws such as the FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Impact on early intervention and personalized learning: Integrating EHRs can facilitate early intervention and personalized learning strategies. EHRs provide educators with valuable insights into student health conditions, enabling them to tailor educational approaches and support students’ unique needs effectively.   By embracing EHR integration, chartered schools can enhance student well-being, foster collaboration, and pave the way for personalized learning strategies. To know more about EHR implementation, talk to our experts.

EHR Implementation in schools. School Nurse Guide

A Comprehensive Guide to Successful EHR Implementation in Schools

EHR

  A Comprehensive Guide to Successful EHR Implementation in Schools   How to plan and prepare for an EHR implementation? As the world continues to evolve and becomes more digitally oriented, there is a need for schools to adopt advanced technology. With the help of these newer technologies, schools can streamline healthcare processes, enhance student health and safety, operational efficiency, and reduce cost. One major tech advancement we have seen in recent times includes schools implementing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. As of 2021, nearly 4 in 5 office-based physicians (78%) and nearly all non-federal acute care hospitals (96%) adopted a certified EHR. This marks substantial 10-year progress since 2011 when 28% of hospitals and 34% of physicians had adopted an EHR. The school EHR systems help school nurses, parents, and healthcare providers access a student’s medical history without the hassles of going through tons of paperwork. So, how does one go about implementing an EHR system in a school environment? Let’s help you navigate through the whole process, best practices, and answer all your queries on implementing an EHR system in schools. Implementing an EHR system for schools in the US requires a comprehensive approach that involves several key steps and considerations. Here’s the list of steps to follow for a successful EHR implementation: Assessment Assess the school’s requirements to determine the most appropriate EHR system.  Selecting the vendor Choose an EHR vendor that meets the school’s specific requirements and budget.  Implementation planning Developing a comprehensive implementation plan that outlines the project timeline, specific roles and responsibilities, and project budget.  System configuration Configure the EHR system to meet the school’s needs and integrate it with existing technology infrastructure.  User training Training the school staff on how to use the new EHR system.  Data migration Migrate the existing student health records to the new EHR system.  Go-live Launch the EHR system and monitor for any challenges that may arise.  Identifying specific roles and team structure while implementing an EHR in schools:  The EHR implementation team for schools should consist of key stakeholders including the school’s IT department, administrative staff, school nurses, teachers, and healthcare providers. A project manager should be appointed to oversee the implementation process and ensure that all team members are aligned with the project goals and timeline.  Best practices for EHR implementation  Involve key stakeholders from the beginning right from the planning process to the implementation process. This helps to ensure that the system is designed to meet the requirements of all stakeholders and that everyone is aligned with the project goals and timeline.  Develop a comprehensive implementation plan that outlines roles and responsibilities, timelines, budget, and quality assurance measures. This plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that the project is on track.  Choose the right EHR vendor that meets the school’s specific requirements and budget. While selecting the vendor consider factors like – system compatibility, data security, customer support, and training resources.  Customize the EHR system to fit the school’s unique requirements and workflows. This includes configuring user roles and access levels, creating custom forms and templates, and integrating the system with existing technology infrastructure.  Security and Privacy: One of the most critical aspects to consider when implementing an EHR system in a school is the security and privacy of the data. This includes ensuring that the system is compliant with relevant data protection regulations, such as HIPAA, FERPA, and that appropriate access controls and encryption protocols are in place.  Establish clear project goals and objectives to ensure that all team members are aligned and working towards the same outcomes. Regularly review progress against these goals and adjust the project plan as necessary.  Engage stakeholders and build buy-in for the EHR system by communicating its benefits and value proposition. This includes creating a communication plan and providing regular updates on the project’s progress.  Provide adequate training and support to ensure that users are comfortable with the new EHR system. The training may include online tutorials, in-person training sessions, and ongoing support from the vendor.  Test the system thoroughly before go-live to identify and resolve any issues. The testing phase includes- user acceptance testing, data migration testing, and stress testing.   Monitor the system closely after go-live to ensure that it is functioning appropriately and address any user concerns. User concerns can be addressed by collecting user feedback, conducting system audits, and performing regular maintenance and updates.   Monitor system performance and user feedback continuously to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure that the system is meeting the needs of all stakeholders. Use this feedback to make necessary changes to the system and refine the implementation process for future upgrades.    Common Queries that schools may ask the vendor while implementing an EHR system include:   Cost Schools may be concerned about the cost factor while implementing an EHR system, including the upfront costs of purchasing the system and the ongoing costs of maintenance and support. The cost is mostly dependent on the requirements and customizations asked by the schools, the right vendor can guide you based on the school’s needs.   Data Privacy The security and privacy of student data, particularly compliance with relevant data protection regulations are often major concerns, however, the right vendor will ensure that the system is compliant with relevant data protection regulations.  Integration with existing systems Schools often have been concerned about the ability of the EHR system to integrate with existing systems, such as student information systems (SIS) and learning management systems (LMS). An ideal EHR system for schools will support your existing system and the user should be able to transition into the new EHR system smoothly. Certain systems may not integrate with your existing systems out of the box. However, if the implementation team is willing to set up the integrations, that would help you move through your processes without a hassle.   User Adoption and Training The ability of teachers and administrators to effectively use the EHR system, particularly if they are not familiar with using technology…

School EHR Software Requirements and Key Features: Your Complete Guide. 

EHR, Student Health Care

  School EHR Software requirements and key features: your complete guide. With this blog we plan to help you understand and identify the challenges that you face while managing student health records in schools and how a school EHR system can be a complete solution for tracking and managing student health records. Beginning with the Student EHR system- an Overview The Electronic Health Records for schools are an essential element in school-based healthcare as it provides a comprehensive digitized solution for students’ health care. It facilitates easing the burdens that manual administrative procedures put on school nurses. The school EHR system allows school health professionals to stay on top of student healthcare and medications. It keeps track medications, treatments, screenings, immunizations, and other crucial health factors and helps to minimize instances of medication errors. It also helps to track illness patterns before it affects a larger group of kids. This way it helps school health authorities keep students safer and ensures their attendance, improving school functioning. There might be a lot of questions arising from school authorities when it comes to choosing the right EHR system for your school. Understanding various functionalities of the Student EHR software and how these functionalities can benefit the school and student health is an important factor. So, here’s a complete guide to answer all your queries on how to choose the right EHR System for schools. There are several capabilities and key features to consider while looking into a school EHR software: Comprehensive health information managementThe student EHR software should be capable of managing comprehensive health information for each student. It should cover student medical history, immunization records, medication administration, allergy information, and any other relevant health information. User-friendly interfaceThe software interface should be user-friendly that is intuitive and requires minimal training for nurses or staff to use it effectively. Customizable and scalableThe software needs to be customizable to fit the requirements of the school and should be scalable. Integration with existing and other systemsAn ideal student EHR system should be able to integrate with any existing and other systems used by the school, such as the student information system (SIS) and other health-related systems. Compliance with data privacy and security regulationsThe student EHR software should comply with data privacy and security regulations to ensure student health information is secure and confidential. AccessibilityThe school EHR platform should be easily accessible by authorized members, whether they are working on-site or remotely. Reporting and analyticsThe EHR software for school students should provide comprehensive reporting and analytics functionalities to help identify health trends, track medication, and monitor compliance with state and federal regulations. So, we have seen what Student EHR software functionalities should ideally have. Now let’s analyze what are the various challenges faced by school nurses every day. Managing large volumes of health informationSchool nurses are responsible for managing large volumes of student health information like – medical history, immunization records, allergy information, and more. Manually entering and maintaining this data can be quite time-consuming and challenging. Accuracy and up-to-date health informationSchool nurses can- ensure that student health information is accurate and up to date. Maintaining this data manually can be very challenging when students have multiple health conditions or when there are changes to their health status. Communication with parents and healthcare providersSchool nurses often need to communicate with parents and healthcare providers to ensure that students get appropriate care. To ensure the safety of students and to pass information in a timely manner, an appropriate communication channel needs to be there at all times. Emergency responseSchool nurses must be prepared to respond immediately and effectively to all medical emergencies that may arise during a school day. Apart from these challenging situations, there are several scenarios that school nurses might face daily, and here’s a look at how a proper School EHR system can help to overcome these challenging situations. Here are a few scenarios where a School EHR can help a school nurse: Student Health EmergenciesSchool nurses are often the first responders during a student health emergency, such as an asthma attack, seizure, or severe allergic reaction. A proper School EHR system helps school nurses to respond quickly and effectively by providing access to the critical health information about a child’s medical history, medication taken, allergies, and emergency contact information. With this information readily available, the school nurse can decide quickly about the treatment plan and contact emergency services. Medication AdministrationSchool nurses are responsible for administering any medication to students, as prescribed by a doctor. The automated alerts and reminders for medication doses, medication inventory tracking, and accurate medication administration records maintaining are some of the features that a school EHR system provides to help school nurses. This ensures that students receive the correct medication at the right time and reduce the risk of medication errors. Immunization TrackingWith the help of a proper School EHR system school nurses can manage immunization records by providing automated alerts and reminders for the upcoming immunizations, track immunization history, and generate reports to demonstrate compliance with state and Federal regulations. It also helps the school nurses to ensure that the students’ immunization data is up to date and in turn helps to avoid penalties for non-compliance. Health AssessmentsSchool nurses are in charge of administering a variety of health screenings for students, including hearing and eye exams. An effective school EHR system can support school nurses in managing health assessments by sending out automatic reminders for forthcoming screenings, monitoring assessment results, generating reports to identify health trends, and assessing potential improvement areas. This can aid school nurses in identifying and addressing health issues early on. Communication with Parents and PhysiciansRegular communication with parents and doctors regarding student health issues, medication administration, and treatment plans is an essential job duty of the school nurse. An appropriate School EHR system can help school nurses communicate more efficiently by providing secure messaging and communication tools, maintaining accurate records of communication, and simplify the sharing of health information and facilitate collaborative care.…

How can EHRs contribute to risk management in Schools?

EHR, Student Health Care

How can EHRs contribute to risk management in Schools? Risk management is one of the most crucial aspects of ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors in schools. Right from natural disasters to accidents to emergencies, there are various risk factors that schools must be prepared for and act upon. One tool that can help in risk management in schools is the Electronic Health Records (EHRs). It not only helps schools to manage student health records more efficiently but also enable schools to identify potential risks like – allergies or chronic medical conditions, and create proactive measures to prevent or respond such emergencies. Let’s take a look at the risk management in schools and why risk management is important in schools? Identifying potential risks, evaluating their likelihood and potential effects, and putting mitigation or prevention measures in place are all parts of risk management in schools. This covers both physical and non-physical hazards, such as those posed by medical conditions, accidents or injuries, cyberbullying, or mental health issues.   Some common risk management strategies that schools follow are: Creating a comprehensive emergency response plan to address potential emergency situations, such as natural disasters or intruders, and conducting regular drills and training to ensure staff and students are prepared. Implementing security measures and conducting background checks to ensure that the staff or volunteers do not have any criminal activity or background. Schools have counselors or other mental health professionals to support students who may be struggling with mental health concerns. Educating students and staff on topics such as cyber safety, bullying prevention, and first aid.   Schools should regularly assess various risk factors and evaluate the effectiveness of their risk management strategies to ensure they are providing a safe and secure environment for their students and staff. School nurses play a critical role in managing health-related emergencies in schools. They are responsible for providing medical care and support to students and staff members who may require immediate medical attention. In a medical emergency, school nurses are often the first responders, and their actions can greatly impact the outcome of the situation. Keep risks at bay with the right tools See How Here are the key benefits of implementing a risk management solution and how it can help school nurses to perform their duties better during emergencies. Better preparedness for medical emergencies: Risk management software can help a school district prepare for medical emergencies by identifying potential hazards and establishing emergency response protocols. This can help ensure that staff members are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to respond to a medical emergency in a timely and effective manner. It helps to provide a streamlined process to report incidents such as falls, injuries, and illnesses. Incident tracking and reporting: Risk management software can help school nurses track and report incidents related to medical emergencies. Risk management software can help school nurses manage students’ allergies by providing a centralized platform to track allergies, associated triggers, and emergency response plans. For example, if a student experiences a severe allergic reaction, the nurse can record the incident in the software and add the information about the symptoms, treatment provided, and note if any follow-up care is required. This information can then be used to identify trends and patterns in incident reports and improve safety measures. Access to student medical records: Risk management software can provide school nurses with easy access to student medical records, which can help them make informed decisions during an emergency. For example, if a student has a pre-existing medical condition, the nurse can quickly access their medical record to review the student’s history and determine the appropriate course of action. Health Screening: Risk management software can help school nurses manage student health screenings by providing a centralized platform to track and monitor health screening schedules, results, and follow-up procedures. The software can also generate reports to help nurses identify health trends and plan health education programs for each student. Efficient communication: Risk management software can help school districts communicate more efficiently during a medical emergency. For example, the software may include a communication feature that allows staff members to quickly and easily alert others of an emergency, which can help speed up response times and improve the overall outcome of the situation. Compliance with regulations: Risk management software can help school districts ensure compliance with regulations related to health and safety. This can help protect the school district from legal liability and ensure that students and staff members are safe and healthy while on campus. Enhanced collaboration and decision-making: Risk management software can help school districts collaborate more effectively during a medical emergency by providing a centralized platform for communication and decision-making. This can help ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the response efforts and that decisions are made quickly and efficiently. Automated medication management: Risk management software can help school nurses manage student medication more efficiently. It helps school nurses to manage all the medication information from a centralized platform to track medication schedules, doses, and administration times. The system can also alert nurses and staff members of medication schedules and monitor medication inventory. For example, if a student requires medication at specific times during the day, the software can send automated notifications to the nurse to remind them to administer the medication. This can help ensure that students receive timely and appropriate medical care. Overall, an EHR system help school nurses to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively by providing incident tracking and reporting, automated medication management, access to student medical records, improved communication, and compliance with regulations. This can lead to a safer and healthier learning environment for students and staff members. What are the factors that one need to focus while implementing risk management solutions in a school? Identifying the risks specific to a school comes as the first step in implementing a risk management solution platform that focuses on the health and medical area. There are many different risk management solution platforms…

school healthcare technologies

How technological advancement improves student health care

EHR, Student Health Care

  How technological advancement improves student health care Technology has a massive impact on how healthcare is delivered. Right from the smart devices we wear to machines used in hospitals to aid in critical surgeries, technology has made massive strides in simplifying and improving the efficiency of care. Technology has also improved access to information, knowledge and methodologies of care making for improved patient experiences. In schools, technology plays a key role today. School based EHR systems are simplifying management and access of student health records. They are helping school nurses tracking immunization statuses, meet mandatory reporting requirements of local bodies and the state, manage communication with parents and guardians, track health screenings and so on. How technology is transforming school-based health care Healthcare providers, delivery systems, health plans and information technology play a role in promoting healthy development and improving student outcomes. Childcare and wellness assessments include reviews on growth, nutrition, development, behavior and school progress, sleep, elimination, and social and family issues; universal screening for common problems such as hearing and vision defects, anemia, and scoliosis; targeted screening of subgroups for conditions such as tuberculosis, lead poisoning; and vaccination. In these contexts, the adoption of digital technologies has revolutionized the delivery of healthcare and helped in improving outcomes both for patients and for healthcare workers. Using technology is nothing new for school nursing, which has taken the lead most times over the past ten years in using it to engage and collaborate with kids, teenagers, families, and stakeholders. Post the pandemic, schools, and school-based health centers were motivated to adopt new technologies and approaches. The major goals that the school healthcare system accomplished with new technologies were Increased access to healthcare and lowering healthcare costs Better coordination and consolidation in healthcare delivery. Simplified prevention and management of chronic diseases. Providing medical help and responding to demographic healthcare trends.   What technological trends influenced school healthcare? One of the key technologies that influenced medicine was EHRs (Electronic Health Records). National League of Nursing (NLN) provided a vision for preparing nursing students for technology. The focus was on electronic health records (EHR) and informatics. Electronic Health Records are digital versions of a patient’s paper chart. For more than a quarter-century, healthcare organizations in the US have been moving from paper-based medical record practices to using electronic health records. They enable organizations to reduce the high rate of medical errors that occur with timely alerts, by providing relevant information for decision-making, while also serving as a tool for increasing patient safety and reducing overall healthcare costs. They also provide tools to improve clinical accuracy, such as reminders, alarms, and automated processes. Using electronic information and telecommunication technologies has helped school nurses and health practitioners to facilitate long-distance health care, patient and professional health-related education, and health administration. Technology continues to have a positive impact on the nursing field and healthcare. Nurses already use EHR systems, wearable devices, and telemedicine to meet the health needs of their patients. Although experts do not always agree on what the future of healthcare looks like, nurses will continue to use machinery and artificial intelligence technology to see more patients per day, administer medications more efficiently, and monitor conditions with complete confidence. Telehealth or telemedicine is also a rising trend in school health care due to its wide uses. Through telehealth, school nurses can address the health needs of students and their families. Telehealth can be used to address physical or mental/emotional health issues, improve student attendance, and increase the work productivity of parents and caregivers. Telehealth, as a primary care partner, can help to reduce communicable disease outbreaks by enabling providers to quickly diagnose and treat illness, as well as improve student attendance. Wearable technology is also a trend that can be utilized in health care. It can be used to enable users to easily track their movements throughout the day. Metrics such as total steps taken, heart rate, run or ride pace, or the amount and quality of sleep each night assist individuals in better identifying, tracking, and achieving their health and fitness goals. The regular information acquired from the wearable monitor can be used for medical purposes. This information can be used as a starting point when communicating with health care providers about general wellness goals or other health markers. Beyond fitness, wearable technologies are advancing to monitor vital statistics such as a user’s heart rate, lung function, blood oxygen level, and blood sugar. They are even being developed to track and alert the onset of degenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. The key points to conclude with: Modern age technology can be implemented for child health care and wellness monitoring and assessments of growth, nutrition, development, behavior and school progress, sleep, absence, universal screening and social and family issues. Telemedicine and telehealth services expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. AI applications are gaining traction in supplementing even the most knowledgeable or skilled professionals. The optimization of health data processing through digital means, as well as the general adoption of digital technologies, can rightly be viewed as health enablers. EHR technology will play a crucial role in school healthcare with future technological advancements. Electronic health record technology has the potential to improve student safety significantly, lower healthcare costs, and reduce facility training costs. Introducing a school based EHR in your school district will help your school nurse office stay on top of all tasks and effectively manage school health administration.

Benefits of cloud-based EHR

EHR

Benefits of cloud-based EHR Health records contain sensitive information, and the security, confidentiality, and integrity of the data are of utmost priority. Keeping medical records in paper files poses a threat to this and is a challenge to the management. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) make the storage, management, and maintenance of health data easier and help you end the endless paper shuffle. They provide centralized storage and easy access to any medical information. Cloud-based EHRs are becoming increasingly popular, and their adoption rates are going higher. What is cloud-based EHRs? Cloud-based EHRs are web-based applications that use external servers to store, exchange and manage health data. These health IT solutions come with a minimum upfront cost and require low maintenance efforts when compared to internal EHR solutions. But why should you choose a cloud-based EHR? Many factors like high upfront costs and maintenance efforts prevent organizations from investing in EHRs. Investing in internal servers and ensuring secure maintenance of on-prem EHRs can be a challenge for many organizations. That’s where cloud-based EHRs come in. AfterBefore Advantages of cloud-based EHRs Let’s look at the various benefits of cloud-based EHRs and understand how investing in them can help you provide better healthcare services. 1. Easy to implement, optimize and replace Unlike inhouse EHRs, cloud-based EHRs do not require any hardware or software installation. Cloud-based EHRs are SaaS products and can be implemented directly without any additional infrastructure. This makes it easier for organizations to optimize the usage and also to replace it if it does not fit the bill. You do not need an IT team to maintain it either. 2. Significant costs savings Reduced IT cost spending is one of the most attractive features of cloud-based EHRs. Since it requires no hardware installation or purchase of software licenses, the cost of implementation is significantly reduced. Cloud-based EHRs also help you save various additional costs like new patches, release licensing fees, and maintenance cost. You only have to pay a subscription fee based on the agreement of purchase. 3.Reduce IT requirements When you are having an in-house server and internal EHRs, you also need a team of IT experts to install, configure, test, run, secure, and update hardware and software. In the case of cloud based EHRs, you can have automatic updates, so you can always use the most up-to-date version of the software. 4. Better accessibility Accessibility is a great challenge when it comes to EHRs. You can access a cloud-based EHR from anywhere with secure internet unlike the inhouse EHRs that can be accessed only from the physician’s office. This will allow better coordination and collaboration with different stakeholders and enable faster decision-making. You can allow patients to access their personal records if required. 5. Increased data security Security is one of the major concerns that hospitals and organizations raise when adopting EHRs solutions on cloud. EHRs contain personally identifiable information, including names, health information, addresses, social security numbers, lab results, dates of birth, along with medical histories. They have standard security controls like physical security, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, anti-virus software, backups in multiple locations, patch maintenance, encryption, activity monitoring, identity and access management, and governance-risk management-compliance policies and processes. 6. Scale as you grow Cloud-based EHRs are scalable and can easily accommodate growth. If the number of staff, doctors, or patients increases or you want to add a new branch, you can easily scale the capacity. 7. Interoperability and data exchange Data exchange between various stakeholders gives a greater opportunity for optimizing care, exchanging insights, and reducing problems associated with treatments. With cloud-based EHRs, all stakeholders can access data and exchange insights through a secure, single source. This helps in faster and more confident decision-making, and providing better care. Privacy and security considerations for implementing cloud-based EHRs Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security rule provides the requirements and guidelines for storing health information. Hence different levels of access control mechanisms are strictly maintained by carefully defining who can access what information. Patients’ consent is another important aspect. Every person should be aware of where their health data is stored and who can access it. They should also be notified in advance and their consent is necessary if data is going to be used for processing. The data must be kept for a certain period of time and should be deleted after the period by authorized employees. When choosing a cloud-based EHR check the cloud provider’s reputation and select a solution provider who is well versed with requirements and legislations for EHRs.   Eduhealth – Cloud-based EHR for schools EduHealth is a SaaS application developed on Microsoft Azure for schools and is used to manage student health information. Azure cloud platform ensures the integrity, security, and scalability of the application and the responsive design makes it compatible with different devices. The cloud-based storage keeps data immune to disasters and cyber threats. EduHealth is FERPA and HIPAA compliant, and provides high level data security similar to banks. It provides different access levels for staff and parents with access control and has systems in place to prevent unauthorized access. It allows interoperability with various applications and can be integrated with different student information systems. EduHealth has an easy-to-use interface and functionalities that help nurses to easily manage student health profiles. It also facilitates communication between parents and school nurses to provide effective healthcare and minimize medication errors. This cloud-based EHR for schools makes it easier for school nurses to document and retrieve student information and helps increase their productivity by 5 times. The significant reduction in paperwork and centralized information storage helps schools to save time and cost while providing better health care to students.

How EHRs Can Help Prevent Medical Errors

EHR, Softwares

How EHRs can help prevent medical errors Medical errors are a cause of concern for most health care professionals. Medical professionals know that mistakes happen, and one needs to take corrective measures to ensure accuracy in all aspects of patient care.   EHRs not just help document and provide better patient care but also can serve in reducing medical errors. In this article, we shall discuss EHR and patient safety, what are the different medical errors and how EHRs can help in preventing medical errors. How do electronic medical records help to reduce various medical errors?  Medication errors are more common than one would assume. It occurs when a person consults with more than one physician. Typically, the patient refuses to reveal that he is being seen by more than one doctor. When we talk about medication errors, it defines everything from incorrect dosages to inadvertently prescribing the wrong drugs. The good news is that such mistakes can be avoided with the help of an EHR (Electronic Health Records).  EHRs can help prevent medical errors by triggering alerts in food/drug and drug interactions. EHR technology can also aid in the prevention of medical errors by identifying potential drug side effects and/or adverse reactions.  EHR database features can help physicians and other care team members quickly research any drug, its side effects, and/or contraindications. Such systems frequently include health plans for approved and standard dosage, administration, and contraindications for specific drugs. Some medical systems use split screens to compare pre-admission medications for potential interactions or dangerous adverse reactions with potentially new medications prescribed for a current treatment or procedure.  EHRs help providers identify and correct operational problems in a timely and organized manner. A qualified EHR not only records a patient’s medications or allergies, but also checks for issues whenever a new medication is prescribed and alerts the clinician to potential conflicts. A primary care provider’s information recorded in the EHR will alert the emergency department clinician of a potentially fatal allergy, allowing the emergency personnel to take appropriate care measures. Electronic prescribing is more secure, affordable, and more convenient for both practitioners and patients.  Strategies and practices for reducing medical errors when utilizing EHR systems  Here are some suggestions and best practices that can be adopted while using EHRS to prevent medical errors.  Avoid Using an Inappropriate EHR The risk of using an improper EHR can lead to a variety of issues, including difficulties in clinical data management and collection; failures in data sharing; failures in alerting for risks, such as adverse drug interactions; and failures in interoperability.  In simple terms, an EHR should improve workflows and decision-making rather than hinder it.  Intuitive use of data and risk-reduction strategies Understanding trends in patient healthcare quality and emerging areas of risk within an organization is a key component of lowering medical error risk. Data and metrics (when used intuitively) serve as the foundation for a practice to determine what areas may be at risk or where recurring mistakes may arise.   EHRs alone will not solve the problem; they must be used in tandem with other risk-reduction techniques.  Training of staff and personnel Medical errors can occur because of user errors, especially when clinical data is incorrectly entered by the staff. Implementing the required measures to assure the quality of the data provided, as well as training the staff on how to effectively use the EHR’s data input interface, are all part of the training to minimize user errors. How can an EHR reduce medication errors at schools?  EduHealth is a reliable and secure EHR system for schools that can reduce medication errors by recording medication details, medication timing, dosage information, medical history, medication authorizations, and treatment authorizations. It aids student care by assisting the school nurse and medical practitioner to keep track of the pupils’ health issues such as chronic illnesses, allergies and medications.  Based on prescriptions, school nurses can update the system with medication information and administration and the system sets up automated alerts to ensure school nurses are enabled to deliver the medication on time.   Another valuable feature is the e-prescription, which helps record the child’s medication history for all the different doctors the child has seen and offers a complete overview of the child’s ailments, allergies, and current medications, ensuring the child’s safe treatment.   Finally, it is all about providing better care that is free of medical errors  EHRs (Electronic health records) can help in the identification of any red flags during the treatment process, resulting in better patient outcomes. Healthcare providers need to understand that machines can only go so far and that human attention and response to alerts and warnings must be addressed as promptly as possible.   When selecting the best EHR system to reduce medical errors, follow some basic guidelines. It is essential to select a system that not only provides flexibility but also ease of use, interoperability, and functionality. EduHealth is a powerful cloud-based EHR system for schools that ensures timely medication administration, reduces medical errors, and provides safer student care.

Hearing loss in students, and how can school nurses help?

EHR, School nursing

  Hearing loss in students, and how can school nurses help? Hearing loss can have a severe impact on a child. Students who are deaf have stressful, isolated, and difficult experiences. Educating kids with hearing impairments requires more than just standard communication strategies. Even with today’s advantages of early detection and intervention, there is still much more that can be done to enhance the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing youngsters. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing may be placed in a multitude of different settings, spanning from neighborhood schools to specialized day schools with residential components. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that students with disabilities be considered for a continuum of placements.  How are students with hearing disabilities supported at school?  Children who are deaf or hard of hearing typically begin school without a good linguistic foundation which is essential for developing language, cognitive, and learning skills. The school administrator’s responsibility is to ensure a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) that meets the individual needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Section 504 regulation mandates a school district to provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to qualified persons with disabilities.     FAPE outlines the key concepts that schools must follow while educating deaf and hard-of-hearing kids.  The key principles outlined for deaf schools are as follows:   Provide unique and safe learning surroundings for deaf students: Deaf and hard-of-hearing students use a variety of communication channels and accessibility accommodations to participate fully in their educational programs. Students’ hearing levels may not always predict their ability to speak or utilize sign language, and instructors should not assume that students can hear because they can talk. Deaf students are more likely to be victims of child abuse and bullying than their non-disabled peers.   Appropriate academic and learning opportunities should be provided:   Deaf and hard-of-hearing children can achieve high levels of performance when provided with proper language, learning, and academic opportunities that focus on their strengths rather than their impairment. When students fail to meet their linguistic and academic targets, a statewide database should be maintained, and interventions should be implemented.   The family plays an important role:   Parents have the right to engage in their children’s educational planning as informed and interested participants. Educators should respect and consider parental preferences and choices, even if they disagree with local educational placement options. Parental involvement should be encouraged at all stages of planning and decision-making, and those who require accommodation should have access to it.   Specially designed instructions and assistance:   Training, assistive technology, and accommodations should be tailored to each student’s specific needs to help them become confident, autonomous, and full participants in their educational experiences.  Technical help also assists general education instructors and specialized instructional support professionals in understanding their students’ communication, language, and literacy requirements. Parents and students should have a say and a choice in the technologies and accommodations that are offered, ensuring that they are effective for the student’s age and developmental level.   Least Restrictive Environment:   The LRE is influenced by language, communication, and academic needs. A restrictive environment is one where children do not have proper access to proper language, communication, instruction, and social activities that are customized to their unique educational needs. Each local education agency (LEA) is responsible for ensuring the availability of a continuum of educational placements.   As a result, decision-makers must be aware of the whole continuum, which includes state schools for the deaf, special schools, charter schools, and other unique placement options in a certain locale or state. Language development is critical for cognition, literacy, and academic achievement:  Language competency forms the foundation for the development of social-communication and social-cognitive abilities, as well as literacy and academic accomplishment. The first five years of a child’s life are crucial for language development. Students who are also English language learners may require additional program support and assistance.   Access to qualified practitioners:   Early intervention practitioners must have fundamental knowledge and abilities to assist families in promoting language development. State and local education authorities should provide professional development and training tailored to the specific needs of infants, toddlers, and pupils who are deaf or hard of hearing. Without skilled workers and proper support services, children’s capacity to achieve suitable outcomes is threatened.   Educational progress needs to be monitored:  All students’ language, literacy, academic achievement, and social-emotional health should be monitored and reported regularly. When providing services, individual needs must take priority over available resources. Adult and peer role models are vital for self-awareness, social communication, and overall well-being. When kids use ASL, signals, or cued speech, fluent adult and student-facilitated communication is extremely important. State Leadership and Collaboration:  Strong state and local leadership, as well as effective collaboration among key stakeholders, is crucial for efficient program and service delivery systems.   A core team of outstanding deaf education leaders can promote high-quality educational services for children while considering the unique context of each state. Advocacy groups can give information and education that can lead to administrative, procedural, and legislative changes.  How can hearing loss affect the students in a school?  Hearing loss in childhood can have a significant impact on a child’s development. Hearing loss that goes undetected or untreated can lead to learning difficulties and social isolation. School hearing screening programs can provide early detection of hearing loss and interventions to reduce learning barriers.  The consequences of hearing loss vary depending on the kind and severity of the loss, as well as the appropriateness of the therapies.  Any type of hearing loss might impair a child’s ability to communicate effectively and perform academically.  Undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss can lead to:   Delayed speech and language skills.  Language deficits can lead to learning problems and limited academic achievement.   Communication difficulties.  Social isolation and a poor self-concept.  Behavioral problems and negative impact on a child’s vocational and educational choices.  The school nurses’ response to students with hearing disabilities  While many schools have increased the…