Call to action: Better care, better health, and greater value in college health

J Am Coll Health. 2018 Oct;66(7):625-639. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1431908. Epub 2018 Mar 12.

Abstract

It is time for action by leaders across higher education to strengthen quality improvement (QI) in college health, in pursuit of better care, better health, and increased value - goals closely linked to students' learning and success. The size and importance of the college student population; the connections between wellbeing, and therefore QI, and student success; the need for improved standards and greater accountability; and the positive contributions of QI to employee satisfaction and professionalism all warrant a widespread commitment to building greater capacity and capability for QI in college health. This report aims to inspire, motivate, and challenge college health professionals and their colleagues, campus leaders, and national entities to take both immediate and sustainable steps to bring QI to the forefront of college health practice - and, by doing so, to elevate care, health, and value of college health as a key pathway to advancing student success.

Keywords: Capability and capacity; college health; college students; higher education; leadership; quality improvement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Academic Success
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Leadership
  • Quality Improvement / organization & administration*
  • Student Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Student Health Services / standards
  • Universities / organization & administration*
  • Universities / standards