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FAST Information SystemFarrokh Alemi, PhD

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Design Basis

Interviews of interested parties Administrative Office of U.S. Courts

PACTS Current system (MHIS CAP BMC) Current forms Standardized instruments for outcome

evaluations Addiction Severity Index, Composite

International Diagnostic Interview, Texas Christian University Risk assessment, Treatment Fidelity Scale.

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Minimum Data

1. Minimum data set necessary for tracking cases

“Not a medical record but a case tracking system.”

A previous system went unused. Limited number of open ended

commentary.

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Flexible

1. Normalized database design Data stored differently than input forms

Allows several inputs for same field (e.g. person’s address)

Data kept in one place even when it has multiple uses

Allows for easy searches and reports. For example, all clients cared for by a provider working at two treatment services can be found in one place

Only facts kept. Composites of facts calculated.

2. Codes entered as data Allows easy change over time

Current systemwas not

in Normal form

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Normalization Counter-intuitive

data structures Leads to numerous

tables Basis of all modern

database structures Difficult to set up,

easy to use & modify

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Event Based

Does not include various client assessments Includes milestones behind assessments

For example, treatment participation is included while client attitudes towards readiness for treatment not included.

Rates estimated from time to event For example, frequency of drug use is estimated

from time between reported use

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Added Outcomes Treatment

participation Hospitalization Self report of relapse Drug test results Medication

compliance Clinic visit and

diagnoses Conflict & abuse

within key relations

Change in weapon permits

Loss of children’s custody

Employment Educational

progress HIV/AIDS risks &

test results Recidivism Homelessness

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Multiple Identity

Allowed a person to have multiple roles

An arrested defendant who becomes an outreach provider.

A FAST social worker who also works part time at a mental health clinic.

Allowed a client to have multiple names & aliases

Allowed images of clients and markers

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Secure Online

Encrypted Personal Identifiers Trail of tables visited or modified No physical deletion. All entries kept.

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Data Access Faxed paper reports to central database

Current process Web access

Allows tailored input forms for various providers Email reminders

PDA access Allows providers who do not have computers easy

access Data transfers

Between jail system & FAST information system

Between VA system & FAST information system

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Probation Officers Can Use PDA for Reporting Outcomes

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Sample Elements in the System

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Elements of Criminal Justice

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Case Plan Elements

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Client Information Elements

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Drug Use & Test Elements

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Elements to Describe a Person

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Elements to Monitor Progress

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Elements to Describe Services

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Elements to Set Security

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Details of Data Elements Provided in Attached Report

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Actions Recommended

1. Walk through of one to five clients2. Revisions in the data structures3. Construction of input forms and

output reports4. Completion of system5. Training