Let’s be honest: healthcare service models have changed more in the past three years than they have in the past two decades combined.
The catalyst for the change? COVID-19.
The pandemic spotlighted the pressing need for flexible, convenient, and accessible healthcare for all. This ethos has made its way into school healthcare systems with a shift towards more adaptable, personalized services.
The dawn of telehealth and other modern healthcare solutions on campus has brought about positive changes for students. Here are four of the key benefits that have come with transitioning to a more modern healthcare system in schools.
1. Safer school campuses By using sophisticated healthcare technology on school campuses, we keep them safer for both students and faculty. Routine checkups and health screenings combined with quicker access to healthcare helps students stay healthy and focus on learning.
In particular, regular health screenings help to prevent outbreaks of the flu, COVID-19, and other communicable illnesses. This makes it easier to identify symptoms and isolate infected students before the illness spreads, keeping transmission rates low.
Prioritizing mental healthcare is another way to keep campuses safer. More students than ever are struggling with their mental health, with rates of conditions like anxiety and depression on the rise. These problems often start early in life - as many as one in five children and adolescents will experience mental health issues during their school years.
Access to resources like therapy sessions gives students a healthy way to deal with their mental health struggles and helps to prevent violence on campus. All students and faculty should have access to these services, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
2. Increased student and faculty productivity Productivity is a vital aspect of any well-functioning school. Keeping both students and faculty healthy helps them spend more time in class and less time out sick, resulting in better academic achievements.
Modern healthcare solutions like telehealth visits are a key contributor to productivity on campus. Rather than having to go to a doctor’s office in person, you can schedule a virtual appointment with a healthcare professional using the internet. You’ll be able to take the appointment from the comfort of home or school, using video conferencing software or instant messaging.
This technology makes it easy for students and teachers to get medical help precisely when they need it. There’s no need to travel to the doctor’s office and wait in line, or to stay home sick for days without a diagnosis or medication.
