Over the past decade, many human services agencies have transitioned from paper to electronic documentation.
However, countless organizations have yet to make the change – is it worth the effort? For Mainstay Life
Services, a non‑profit service provider in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the answer is a resounding yes.
Mainstay Life Services supports over 300 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
through a range of services, including residential supports, life sharing, employment and therapy services,
and behavioral supports. In 2017, Mainstay decided to transition from traditional paper documentation to
Therap’s electronic documentation system. This shift has given Mainstay’s staff instant access to vital
information, eliminating the delays and inefficiencies they experienced with paper records. With
real‑time
data at their fingertips, Mainstay is able to make more informed decisions that benefit the individuals they
support.
“It was a big transition to get people to let go of paper,” says Brandy Chestnut, a Systems Analyst at
Mainstay. The shift to a digital documentation system was particularly daunting for staff less
comfortable with technology. “[There was] a lot of hesitation… people weren't comfortable using
computers,” Chestnut recalls. However, Mainstay persevered, recognizing the long‑term benefits of
an
electronic documentation system. Through consistent effort and training, staff embraced the new
platform. “Now that most of the paper is gone, people know how to manage [electronic documentation]
better,” Chestnut states.
Mainstay staff value the instant access to information Therap provides. "Our DSPs appreciate the fact that
when they go on medical appointments [with people they support], they can pull up information right there at
the touch of a button,” Chestnut says. "You no longer have to carry that big binder wherever you go." With
Therap’s mobile app, staff can enter data on the go, eliminating the risk of lost paperwork or forgotten
details. "It's nice having the mobile app where you can enter information right there on the spot,"
emphasizes Chestnut.
The data collected through Therap has been instrumental in helping Mainstay make informed decisions. "The
most valuable thing that [Therap] has offered is… all the data that we're collecting – we’re able to use in
so many ways,” says Chestnut. “We're a very data‑driven organization." With the ability to track
organization‑wide trends, monitor individuals’ progress, and identify trends over time, Mainstay has
been
able to ensure compliance with regulations and quality supports for the people they support.
In addition to the basic modules of the system, Mainstay also benefits from Therap’s innovative new
features, including “About Me” video attachments. “We did a pilot with a few people that are supported. They
recorded a video of things that they like to do and things that they don't like to do,” explains Chestnut.
“The people that were recording their own videos loved that idea… That's the benefit of it, it's not from
someone else's point of view. You get to hear directly from them.”
Chestnut emphasizes the strong collaborative relationship they have built with Therap, noting the company’s
ongoing support and responsiveness. "The support that we get from them, it's been great throughout the
years,” Chestnut says. “Whenever we want to expand or add a new module, they're always right there to help
you implement it.” This partnership has played a crucial role in the organization's transition from paper to
electronic documentation. "It has allowed us to expand and grow in ways that I don't even think we predicted
back then.”
See for yourself how Therap can boost your team's communication
and documentation efficiency!
Beyond the Binder:
Mainstay Life Services’ Electronic Documentation Success
Ready to Improve Team Communication?
Author: Claire Faulkner
|
Category:
User Story
Our DSPs appreciate the fact that when they go on medical appointments [with people they
support], they can pull up information right there at the touch of a button.
The most valuable thing that [Therap] has offered is… all the data that we're collecting – we’re able to
use in so many ways.