Computer-assisted tracking of a case management program for the homeless.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Health Informatics
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Homelessness presents complex challenges requiring comprehensive case management.
• Effective tracking of client progress is crucial for program success and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of computer scan sheet technology in a homeless shelter case management program.
• To assess the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of using scan sheet technology for data collection.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Tele-Form software to design custom scan sheets for data input.
• Documented daily interventions and psychosocial goal areas (housing, employment, health, literacy) at intake and termination.
• Input scan sheet data into SPSS for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• Scan sheet technology proved effective, efficient, and cost-effective for tracking case management services.
• The system facilitated daily intervention documentation and psychosocial goal tracking.
• Data analysis provided insights into program outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Computer scan sheet technology offers a viable solution for robust case management evaluation.
• Standardizing case management evaluation across the country can be facilitated through such technological approaches.
• This technology enhances data quality and supports evidence-based practice in social services.