Evaluation 2009 Banner

Return to search form  

Contact emails are provided for one-to-one contact only and may not be used for mass emailing or group solicitations.

Session Title: Evaluating Systems Change in Mental Health and Addictions
Multipaper Session 612 to be held in Wekiwa 8 on Friday, Nov 13, 3:35 PM to 4:20 PM
Sponsored by the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health TIG
Chair(s):
Garrett Moran,  Westat, garrettmoran@westat.com
Evaluation of Behavioral Health Service System Needs: Clinical Needs and Resource Allocation
Presenter(s):
Denine Northrup, Western New England College, d.northrup@comcast.net
Kenneth Marcus, Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, kenneth.marcus@po.state.ct.us
Abstract: A pragmatic high quality evaluation was undertaken in collaboration with the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services that would be useful to policy decision makers to assess resource allocation based on clinical needs of the population in a timely manner. Over 2500 client level surveys were completed by primary clinicians pertaining to client characteristics, needs and services. Results were utilized to plan effectively for client services and to redirect clients to the most appropriate services. The presentation will discuss the evaluation strategy and implications in the context of the clinical, fiscal and political circumstances. In addition, state agency perspective will be described pertaining to the usefulness of the evaluation information in addition to the facilitating factors and challenges.
Seeing the Forest and the Trees: Using Evaluation to Understand the Nuances of Mental Health System Change
Presenter(s):
Kraig Knudsen, Ohio Department of Mental Health, knudsen@mh.state.oh.us
Holly Setto, Ohio Department of Mental Health, settoh@mh.state.oh.us
Carol Carstens, Ohio Department of Mental Health, carstensc@mh.state.oh.us
Abstract: When evaluating system change, mixed methods may be used to study the effects of a grant or program implemented throughout a system of care, such as a state's mental health system. This presenter will discuss applying mixed methods to analyze the process and outcomes of Ohio's Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant (TSIG). The presenter will focus on the importance of using both qualitative and quantitative methods to capture the historical, political, and decision-making context in which mental health system transformation occurs, and how these factors influence project activities and outcomes. Further, using examples from Ohio's TSIG experience, the presenter will discuss how evaluation results can be useful and informative for policy-makers faced with making decisions in a dynamic, ever-changing environment.

 Return to Evaluation 2009

Add to Custom Program