Iowa’s MCH Data Capacity Assessment Breana Lipscomb Lucia Dhooge Debbie Kane

Session Objectives To describe: –The history & context of the MCH Data Capacity Assessment –The survey development –How to conduct an assessment –The results and how to use the results

This Presentation We’ll be conversational You can ask questions at any time You’ll learn about our results and insights You’ll learn how to do the assessment in your state

Evolution of Iowa’s MCH Data Capacity Assessment How it beganHow it began How it evolvedHow it evolved urrent statusCurrent status

Key Question to be Answered What is “capacity” of data systems? Our Question: Do Iowa’s data systems furnish state and local MCH entities with needed data?

The Connection with Iowa SSDI SSDI Objectives Data Integration Steering Committee (DISC) MCH Data Integration Team

Iowa’s Results

Results 2005 Assessment –Sample size of 15 –Response rate 93% 2007 Assessment –Sample size of 14 –Response rate 100%

Assessment Results 2005 – 2007 Improvements to database access –Organization has access to data 70% to 80% –Defined parameter use 80% to 100%

Assessment Results 2005 – 2007 Improvements to data dissemination –Local presentations 40% to 50% –National or regional presentations 20% to 40%

Assessment Results ( ) Improvements to data use Billing –0% to 30% Surveillance –77.8% to 80% Program planning –87.5% to 100% Program evaluation –87.5% to 90%

Assessment Results (2005 – 2007) Learning need addressed GIS learning needs –Skill needed remained the same –Increased staff –Staff capability adequate SSDI –Link programs to trained staff –Training

Assessment Results ( ) Identified learning needs Survey design –Need doubled –Less staff –Staff at least adequate Surveillance –Need increased by 60% –Staff has limited availability –Yes, but…

Assessment Results ( ) Identified learning needs Linking data –Increased need –Staff has limited availability –Staff at least adequate

Results (2007) Data Linkage How many 8 of 14 data sets linked Link with 1-3 new data sets –What comprised the linkages? Medicaid claims data Vital records

Results (2007) Data Linkage Linkage trigger –Majority are routine Linkage frequency –Wide variation Method –Deterministic

Results (2007) Data Linkage Linkage process –Wide variation Elements gained by linkage –Demographics –Maternal behaviors during pregnancy –Infant outcomes

Here’s How You Can Do It!

Step One: Develop Survey Tool MCH EPI Team adapted the CSTE Assessment and Monitoring Tool for MCH Epidemiology and Data Capacity Iowa “personalized” MCH EPI tool 2007 – Iowa revised tool based on 2005 lessons learned

Survey development Expanded Data Linkage section –Frequency –Method –Data Gained –Overall Benefit

Survey development Removed Staff Retention section Removed Population section Added Potential Use section

Survey development Separated Program and Policy Use sections Clarified Key Terms and Concepts –Linkage –Deterministic/Probabilistic

Step Two: Select Databases Which databases are relevant to MCH? Which databases do you want information about? Which persons are most knowledgeable about the databases?

Step Three: Determine Data Collection Method Interview or Written Response Points to Consider –Number of databases –Time to collect data –Relationship building –Learning aspect

Step Four: Request Interviews Release preliminary announcement Schedule interview Prepare assessment tool

Step Five: Conduct Interviews Explain purpose of the assessment Allow adequate time Probe for more detail Permit interviewee to speak freely

Step Six: Review Responses Transcribed interview into electronic format –Each interview was saved as separate file Follow up on any discrepancies or missing information

Step Seven: Crunch the Numbers Determine best method for counting responses –Tallying –Using a statistical program –Using Excel

Crunch the Numbers Statistical Software: SPSS –Create code book Provides special abbreviated name for each question in the tool Enter codes/abbreviations into SPSS –Enter quantitative interview responses –Run frequency tests

Step Eight: So What? Strengthen areas of weakness Build capacity of all participants

Strengthen Areas of Weakness 1.Look at number crunches 2.Decide on area(s) of focus 3.Make a plan/timeline 4.Follow through

Building Participant Capacity They learn as they ask/answer questions They learn as they receive feedback They learn as they plan follow-through They learn!

You Can Do It!

Questions?

Questions Later? Lucia Dhooge

…and we are making a difference.