Developing a Comprehensive Outcomes Management Program

Abstract

Evaluating outcomes that document effectiveness, profitability and productivity is essential for surviving in today's human service organization. In addition to being necessary for day to day administrative decision making, outcomes data are necessary when bidding for managed care contracts and competing in a capitated environment. Funding sources, such as the United Way, are also requiring proof of outcomes, as are increasingly sophisticated policy makers, payers and consumers. Historically, program evaluation activities have tended to measure the process of delivering services, rather than the end result or outcome. This paper outlines a ten step process that a hospital social work department followed to develop an interdisciplinary, comprehensive outcomes management program.

Key Words:

• Outcomes Management program evaluation
• interdisciplinary
• managed care