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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Stephen Metraux, PhD and Stephen Metraux, PhD. Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St. #3131, Philadelphia PA, PA 19104, 215 746 7344, metraux@cmhpsr.upenn.edu
This paper describes Philadelphia's homeless management information system (HMIS) and how the resulting administrative database is used as part of a larger initiative that formulates assessments of homeless population size across multiple jurisdictions with working HMIS including mental health. Administrative databases are the only practical means for obtaining data on (1) a large number of homeless persons; (2) over an extended period of time; and (3) with accurate data on use of services and personal characteristics. Philadelphia was one of the first cities to establish and maintain an administrative database, which has provided a rich resource by which to track the demand for homeless and mental health services over an extended time period. Methods developed using Philadelphia data to gauge this demand are used in this multi-site project to standardize reporting across eight other jurisdictions, and is the basis for a means to compare the extent of homelessness and service use between different jurisdictions. Issues related to the advantages and disadvantages of using administrative data, data management, and data analysis are reviewed, and a brief summary of results from the multi-site study demonstrates the policy relevance that often accompanies studies using administrative data.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to
Keywords: Homelessness, Public Health Policy
Related Web page: www.uphs.upenn.edu/cmhpsr/
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Mental Health Policy and Services Research
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.