Therap’s I/DD EHR Software Addresses Critical Component of DSP Workforce Crisis

As the demand for direct service professionals (DSPs) increases, so does the need for technology-enhanced tools to help recruit, train and retain this invaluable workforce. The ability to meet the growing demand for DSPs is unlikely to take place without significant changes to how DSPs are supported, this is according to America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis: Effects on People with Intellectual Disabilities, Families, Communities and the U.S. Economy.

Since 2003, Therap Services has been addressing the technological needs for DSPs who serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. Therap is used by more than 5000 agencies across the U.S. and internationally. Therap’s comprehensive software suite supports staff, individuals and their families. This technology enables a comprehensive documentation system designed to reduce errors, enhance risk analysis, manage incident reports and resolutions, track and measure health outcomes, and so much more.

In order for agencies to meet the need for technology-enhanced support tools for their DSP staff, it is imperative these tools master ease-of-use and overall utility. Therap has been deliberate in its attempt to ensure its technology is intuitive and easy to learn. Because of its affordable pricing structure, scalable services, quick deployment and portability, it is used by more than 300,000 individuals. Among Therap’s product/service benefits and features are:

• Training provided to DSPs on how to effectively utilize Therap’s comprehensive documentation system.
• Affordable monthly subscriptions which mitigate large upfront costs.
• Minimal user requirements that include web browser and Internet access or 3G/4G cellular, and anytime/anywhere access to Therap’s system as long as there is Internet accessibility.
• Automatic backups and data recovery without the need for user intervention.
• IT infrastructure integration handled completely by Therap.
• System upgrades handled by Therap with no need for users to install or download patches.
• Security systems that follow U.S. standards for hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) encryption, along with multiple geographically separated data centers.

The demand for a qualified DSP workforce will continue due to a growing aging population and increased survival rates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Agencies with the tools to meet the day-to-day needs of DSPs will be better positioned to recruit, incentivize and retain qualified staff. Therap’s long list of tools, welcomed by DSPs, includes everything from Incident Reporting and Management, Medication Administration Record, direct-to-Medicaid billing, upcoming CMS-mandated Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), a suite of mobile applications to make remote work seamless, and so much more. Management and oversight teams have access to Business Intelligence Dashboards, Data Driven Outcomes and even Agency Performance tools, among other resources, to help them meet (or exceed) state-specific and federal regulations.

Therap’s EHR software streamlines workflow and frees up agency resources that can be used to adequately maintain and compensate a talented DSP workforce. To learn more, contact National Director of Business Development Jeff Case at [email protected], or call 816.522.3683.