Trolling for Useful Data in an Automated Information Management System: Experiences of Kansas Community Mental Health Managers

Abstract

The State of Kansas community mental health system uses an automated information management system for state and federal accountability and for local quality improvement. Researchers interviewed 25 of the state's 28 directors of children's community-based mental health services to learn about the automated system's local applications. Two-thirds of the directors used the automated system for either programmatic decision making or staff supervision, when they were supported by time and personnel for looking at data and an organizational culture of trust in data-informed decisions. Directors additionally wanted technology that allows local access to their data.

KEYWORDS:

• automated information management system
• community mental health
• data utilization
• decision making
• organizational culture

Notes

Community Mental Health Centers Act, PL 88-164 (1963).