The Student Health Center is currently in the process of conducting its annual patient satisfaction survey. Last year’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 99 percent satisfaction rates in “The SHC staff had a positive attitude,” “The SHC staff respected the confidentiality and privacy of my health,” “I was treated with respect and dignity,” and “My concerns were listened to and considered.”
p. The survey is a two-minute anonymous questionnaire, conducted electronically by the front desk as a patient exits the center. Last year, 398 students were surveyed and asked to provide a grade in the form of a percentile that reflects the SHC’s strength in twelve different areas.
p. The lowest was a 94 percent satisfaction rate in response to the statement, “Specific lifestyle modifications to prevent or reduce my condition were communicated to me.”
p. The College’s health center is one of less than 10 percent of university health centers that is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
p. Sophomore Eddie Baldwin had a positive experience at the SHC when he was afflicted with a serious case of allergic conjunctivitis.
“When I went in the nursing staff was really kind,” he said. “They tended to me before opening hours, called the hospital and did everything they could. I am really grateful to them for that.”
p. The center functions like any primary care doctor’s office. Students are encouraged to call the appointment line if they have a health issue, and about 60 to 70 percent of cases can be seen in the same day.
p. The center employs four doctors, two nurse practitioners, one physician assistant, five nurses and a pharmacist. If someone has an urgent illness, they can usually be seen immediately or transferred to the hospital.
p. According to Dr. Gail Moses, director of the health center, the center sees approximately 135 patients per day, but only one patient per week, on average, is transferred to the hospital by ambulance. Twenty-five to 30 patients a week are referred to specialists.
p. Student cases usually peak on Monday and Friday mornings because only patients with urgent problems are able to access the center on Saturdays.
p. However, students may call the Ask a Nurse Line with health questions. The health center coordinates closely with the College administration during times when contagious illnesses are affecting a large number of students.
p. “We communicate with the administration of the College to address public health issues, for instance during the time of the norovirus, we asked that facilities management clean the bathrooms more often,” Moses said. “We also maintain communication with our public health department.”
p. The SHC also maintains a close relationship with the counseling center. According to Moses, patients are often referred back and forth.
p. “We collaborate as a team,” Moses said. “They are a highly skilled, incredible group of professionals.”
p. The SHC also employs two health educators. One focuses on substance issues and the other focuses on mental, sexual and nutritional health.
p. These educators are available to hold programs for any student group interested in a specific health education topic. The substance abuse educator implemented AlcoholEdu last year.
Recent programs also include offering the new HPV vaccination, Gardasil, and revamping women’s health services.