Award signifies high-quality care

By JENNIFER KANNE

Cowell Health Center was awarded the certificate of accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Cowell's staff underwent a rigorous examination process in route to achieving the recognition, which certifies that the facility demonstrates a commitment to high-quality care.

"It shows they have a lot of confidence in what we're doing," Director of Health and Counseling Services Larry Wolfe said.

Accreditation entails compliance with high standards regarding management and improvement, clinical records, quality of care, risk management and professional development. The value of accreditation also lies in the review and self-analysis that precede the awarding of the certificate.

The process was challenging because of the amount of paperwork involved. Every aspect of the facility was scrutinized by Cowell staff, then by the accredation association, according to clinic manager Paula Stallings.

The association is a private, not-for-profit organization that sets standards, measures performance and awards accreditation to health care organizations that comply with its standards. It conducts surveys in managed care facilities, specialized health centers, office-based surgery centers and student health services.

An on-site survey of Cowell facilities and operations was completed by a representative of AAAHC. The representative, a pediatrician who formerly worked in college health, talked to university officials, examined student surveys administered by Cowell and wrote a comprehensive report.

The report included the representative's opinion regarding Cowell's operation as well as feedback from AAAHC. It also suggested that university health services could benefit from minor improvements.

Cowell conducted only two fire drills this year, instead of the recommended four and the credentialing process for the staff was deemed inadequate. Cowell's staff members currently complete the credentialing process before they are hired but the association recommends that each staff member go through it again every few years thereafter.

The Cowell staff decided to pursue the accreditation to prove to themselves as well as to the university community that they are providing quality care, according to Wolfe.

"It forces us to update our services and facilities," Wolfe said.

The only other private school in Northern California with an accredited health center is Stanford University.

"It's unusual for a private school to put themselves through it," Wolfe said.

The process is a stressful one because the staff's every move was under intense scrutiny. Stallings oversaw the accreditation effort. She coordinated the paperwork required for the process, a considerable load detailing Cowell's quality assurance, lab maintenance, staff peer reviews and patient follow-ups.

"The staff was relieved when he [the representative] left," Wolfe said.

Eight weeks elapsed before Cowell was notified that its bid for accreditation was successful. Stallings will be sending an e-mail to other universities to announce Cowell's accreditation.This is the second time Cowell has earned the accreditation; the first came three years ago. With this recognition from the medical field, the Cowell staff hopes to also gain the respect of Santa Clara students.

"People think we're a Band-Aid station," Stallings said.

The staff wants students to know that they are proud of the comprehensive service Cowell provides.

Cowell provides health services to between 900 and 1,000 students and faculty each month. 56.7 percent of all undergraduates and full-time law students made at least one trip to Cowell last year.

"Students are under the misconception that they have to pay or have the school insurance to receive care but that's not true," Wolfe said.

Health care visits are free and tests or medicines can be charged to student accounts.In addition to having a physician on staff, Cowell offers specialized services for which appointments are available. A sports medicine doctor, a psychiatrist and a physical therapist spend a few hours every week at Cowell. The local Moore Clinic donates the time of one of its physical therapists to explain rehabilitative techniques to students. A nurse practitioner sits at tables in Benson regularly to answer questions and hand out information on different health topics.

Cowell will host an Open House on March 6, featuring tours and refreshments, to invite those interested to come by and see what Cowell has to offer the university community.