Using a simple information system to monitor and evaluate a community mental health service - abstract

ABSTRACT

Montserrat has an above average rate for schizophrenia (1 - 3), prevention strategies are weak and the need for improved care of the mentally ill is well recognized. As part of a Government four-year Public Sector Investment Programme (PISP) (4),the health department developed a mental health plan, one aspect of which was to reduce admission rates of acute mental illness by setting a target for the service (75 per cent reduction in 5 years). One of the main strategies to achieve this was to develop a simple information system to monitor and evaluate the service in achieving its target. This paper describes the development of the information system after two years in operation. Two groups of indices were monitored, the workload of professionals working in the unit (unit activity) and the monthly rates of acute admissions and court orders (outcome). By plotting both these groups of data, professionals were able to monitor their work in achieving the target they had set. It was found that an increase in the prevention activity of the unit had indeed led to the reduction of court orders and acute admissions. This very simple information clearly demonstrates how a health information system, even without computer technology, can strengthen a service and provide evidence of a positive outcome (AU)