In today’s digital age, technology is transforming the way healthcare is delivered — including in school settings. For K-12 school nurses, managing the health of students with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy can be challenging. Electronic health record (EHR) software is revolutionizing this aspect of school healthcare, offering numerous benefits that can enhance the quality of care and streamline administrative tasks.
Learn how EHR software can help you improve student care and support those with chronic health conditions within your school community.
Chronic Health Issues in K-12 Schools
According to the CDC, more than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents in the United States have at least one chronic health condition. These conditions are increasingly prevalent among school-aged children due to risk factors like poor nutrition and physical inactivity. Conditions like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and severe allergies require ongoing management and can significantly impact a student’s academic performance and overall well-being.
School nurses play a crucial role in managing these conditions, ensuring that students receive the necessary care and support during school hours. Many schools are realizing the benefits of EHR software for this very purpose. Here are a few ways this technology can help school health staff support chronically ill students.
1. Comprehensive Treatment Notes
EHR software allows school nurses to maintain detailed and accurate treatment notes for each student. This includes documenting symptoms, health office visits, treatments administered, and responses to those treatments.
Having a comprehensive record ensures that any school nurse or K-12 health professional can quickly understand a student’s medical history and current health status, leading to more consistent and effective care. It also enables school health staff to have informed conversations with parents and guardians about their students’ health.
2. Efficient Medication Administration
Managing medication schedules for students with chronic conditions can be complex. EHR systems can automate reminders for medication administration, reducing the risk of missed doses. School nurses can also track medication inventory and identify when their supply is running low. This level of organization helps maintain consistency in healthcare and supports adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
3. Enhanced Communication
Effective communication between school nurses, school staff, and families is essential for managing students’ chronic health conditions. EHR software facilitates secure and efficient communication channels, allowing for the quick exchange of important health information. Parents can be promptly informed about any changes to a student’s health or incidents, and school health professionals can provide timely advice or adjustments to treatment plans.
With Magnus Health, school health staff can send secure communications directly in the EHR platform instead of relying on email or physical notes. This added security protects students’ privacy and helps schools maintain HIPAA compliance.
4. Coordinated Care
One of the most significant advantages of EHR software is its ability to support coordinated care. By having all health information in one accessible platform, school nurses can collaborate more effectively with other school staff and family members. This ensures that students receive holistic care that addresses all aspects of their health needs. Coordinated care is particularly important for students with complex health conditions that require more involved treatment plans or adjustments to schoolwork.
EHR platforms like Magnus Health integrate with leading student information systems to help schools coordinate care even more.
How Magnus Health Can Help
The integration of electronic health record software in K-12 schools is a game-changer for managing chronic health conditions. It empowers school nurses with the tools they need to provide high-quality, efficient, and coordinated care. By leveraging technology, school nurses can better support the health and academic success of students with chronic health issues, ensuring they thrive both in and out of the classroom.
To learn more about how EHR software can help you support students with chronic health conditions, read our guide to K-12 medication administration.