Through the Glass Wall: Lessons Learned From Changing Technology for Knowledge Transfer in Kansas Children's Community-Based Services

• NCJ Number: 237161
• Journal: Social Work in Mental Health Volume: 9 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2011 Pages: 346-363
• Author(s): Karen Flint Stipp, Ph.D.; Stephen A. Kapp, Ph.D.
• Date Published: October 2011
• Length: 18 pages
• Grant Number(s): 0704-HCP-0605-030
• Sponsoring Agency: Kansas State Dept of Social and Rehabilitation Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined data access for Kansas communty-based services (CBS), specifically for exploring mental health service delivery processes.

Abstract

Technology is well suited to information management, but a glass wall separates data from data users. Directors of Kansas community-based mental health services for children had limited access to their data in the State's automated information management system. A researcher collaborated with a field test group of directors, to develop online reporting software for improved data access. The study's data consisted of transcripts from interviews and member checking with field testers, about the software's effect on data utilization. Qualitative analysis of transcripts indicated that software supported data entry and reports for local questions, but that the glass wall is not yet fully permeated. (Published Abstract)