Cal State Long Beach is installing a health promotion information network, which students will be able to access anonymously. Recently national controversy about a federal law mandating the creation of a national patient identification system is causing a public uproar, bringing about fears regarding patient privacy.
But students at CSULB need not fear that their student identification numbers, which are their social security numbers, will be required to access medical information through the university's network.
For example, a student who wants to find out up-to-date information on the herpes virus, can access the information, without a requirement that he identify himself. This will alleviate fear that the student's private affairs could be tracked, thus invading his privacy, Student Health Services Director Renee Twigg said.
The student may then voluntarily answer a survey about the system so Health Services can determine which areas of health care are in demand and tailor its programs accordingly.
"We don't want to be like Big Brother looking on, but we need information about students in order to make data-driven decisions to provide necessary outreach programs," Twigg said.
The network is part of a new and faster computer system, which replaces the Health Service's previously limited free-standing computers. It will provide a preventative medicine tool for students, Twigg said.
The new system will also enable Health Services to schedule appointments and maintain medical records electronically and more efficiently. It will utilize wireless pen tablet computers with voice and handwriting recognition capability.
The current procedure of filling in bubbles with a pencil on a Scantron form is archaic, Twigg said.
The goal is to get students to update a health form electronically, which will reduce repetitive paperwork, she said.
"Our mission is really to keep students healthy and in college," Student Health Services Assistant Vic Cannon said.
The program's professional and peer health education program will include nutrition and fitness counseling. Psychiatric consultation is also offered in conjunction with Student Counseling and Psychological Services, said Cannon.
riod, Twigg said.
Student Health Services, a department in the division of Student Services is dedicated to meeting President Robert Maxson's vision that CSULB becomes the "University of Choice."
Student Services' goal: To create a leadership environment "more responsive, creative and capable of achieving Dr. Maxson's goal," said Randy Zarn, chairman of the Student Services' planning committee for 1997-98, in the division's biannual newsletter.