Clinical Information Systems: the gadget that turns data into evidence based decisions

New generation clinical information systems use cutting-edge technology by collecting data at its source allowing clinicians to focus on service delivery enhancing clinical outcomes for clients whilst providing enriched data... [ view full abstract ]

New generation clinical information systems use cutting-edge technology by collecting data at its source allowing clinicians to focus on service delivery enhancing clinical outcomes for clients whilst providing enriched data for evidence based service management decisions, provide an abundant supply of data for research purposes and establish undeniable evidence of the importance for the existence of the service to funding bodies.

Such a system has been implemented at STARTTS since January 2016 and has assisted clinicians in making better decisions for their clients, management to make better decisions for the service, researchers to establish evident trends and it supports the agency’s fundraising efforts to acknowledge obvious evidence of the importance of the existence of the service.

The client information system at STARTTS enables optimised service delivery from the moment a client is referred with a waitlist prioritisation system alarming the service when a client has exceeded their recommended waiting time.

Information is also amassed pertaining to both the client’s attributes as well as approaches and techniques used by clinicians in each episode of intervention. The clinician is recommended pathways to combat triggers such as suicidal ideation and domestic violence.

Trends of symptomatology between clients with similar demographics are established and the evaluation of interventions and their impact on those symptoms is supported.

Statistical reports can also be provided to attract and retain funding ensuring the survival of STARTTS as a torture and trauma service.

Client information systems vary due to different service needs but the value of developing situationally appropriate data collection systems to ensure the survival and thriving of torture and trauma services is universal.