Standardizing Success:
How Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Unified Statewide Documentation with Therap

Lutheran Social Service (LSS) of Minnesota provides a variety of disability services to individuals throughout the state. With programs spread so widely, the agency faced the challenge of varying documentation and communication methods from one location to another. This changed in 2011 when they began using Therap’s electronic documentation system to consolidate information into a centralized hub and create more consistency in supports across their entire organization.

Angie Collins, the Statewide Director of Quality Engagement at LSS of Minnesota, has witnessed the benefits of Therap firsthand since its initial implementation. Having spent nearly 30 years in the industry, Collins has watched the evolution of documentation, from the paper‑ era to the modern efficiency of electronic systems. For Collins and her team, Therap isn’t just a software platform; it is the bridge that connects their statewide programs, streamlines daily tasks for staff, and empowers the agency to make informed, data‑driven decisions at every level.

Documentation Where It’s Needed, When It’s Needed

Ease of Use and “Light Bulb Moments”

Another significant advantage of Therap has been its ease of use for critical daily tasks, such as documenting medication administrations. When LSS of Minnesota switched to using Therap’s Daily MAR, Collins was worried about how staff would handle the transition. “Trying to get 1,200 people excited about change is hard. They adapted to it very quickly and so that is a big success,” she says. Staff not only embraced the change, they were excited about it. Collins shares, “I assisted a very long‑term employee in configuring a MAR for Warfarin. Daily MAR made it way easier. She was cheering and telling everybody that it worked!” For Collins, moments like this are powerful. “The best part of using Therap is watching the light bulb moments for people,” she says.

The Power of Data

In addition to helping staff complete daily tasks, Therap empowers LSS of Minnesota to look at the big picture. Collins uses Therap’s Business Intelligence tools and Report Library to access data and reports to gain a better understanding of organizational performance and help drive decisions. “I'm excited to get everything at a click of a button and be able to provide those successes and challenges in data form to the organization leaders, the cabinet, and the board,” she says. Collins emphasizes, “When things are simple, we get good data. Good data leads to understanding where our successes are [and] where our challenges may lie. In my opinion you can't really argue with data.”