242076 Evaluation of a health information technology software program: Efficacy in capturing valued outcomes and behavioral data for Individualized Service Plans

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Giuseppe Sottile, MBA, PhD , Research Group, General Human Outreach in the Community, Inc., Kew Gardens, NY
Jaime Anno, MPH , Research Group, General Human Outreach in the Community, Inc., Kew Gardens, NY
Chontelai Patterson-Mendie, MS , Research Group, General Human Outreach in the Community, Inc., Kew Gardens, NY
Henrietta Ho-Asjoe, MPS , Research Group, General Human Outreach in the Community, Inc., Kew Gardens, NY
Background: There is little research on developing health information technologies to increase the quality of life in persons with developmental disabilities. We aim to bridge that gap by developing behavioral data collection software, thus increasing staff time with the individuals we serve, and improving accurate data reporting.

Objectives: 1) Evaluate a health information technology software program by measuring time spent working with data. 2) Describe staff satisfaction with software. 3) Increase data collection accuracy.

Methods: This is a pilot study of 4 individuals living within Individual Residential Alternative (IRA) housing. The study will use a mixed methods design, in which quantitative data is time spent collecting, analyzing, and collating data; qualitative data will be one-on-one interviews regarding staff satisfaction with the software. We will collect 6 months of data from both the software and paper processes to compare any differences regarding time needed for data collection and staff satisfaction. We justify our small sample size due to the availability of 24-hour a day data collection.

Results: Direct care staff's involvement with the individuals we serve is regarded as the most important link between services and our individuals; thus, increasing the time spent with our individuals is attributed to service productivity. Next steps include expanding the program into all our residences to improve the efficacy of individuals' care plans.

Discussion: The program can be used as a model for other organizations providing human services to persons with developmental disabilities. Our agency will disseminate the software through trainings to our professional communities.

Learning Areas:
Public health administration or related administration

Learning Objectives:
1) Evaluate a health information technology program tailored to the needs of methodologies associated with valued outcomes in individuals with developmental disabilities, 2) Increase accuracy and consistency in data collection by direct care staff, and 3) Assess staff satisfaction with new program.

Keywords: Disability, Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I oversee the psychological and behavioral programs for our consumers.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Disability Section Poster Session 4
See more of: Disability