Market Education

Outcome Measurement Resources in Tier Workflow

Outcome measurement is one of three functions of the Quality Management Module of TIER® Workflow System. This function provides organizations with a powerful and flexible methodology to establish outcome measurement projects for research and evaluation or compliance with accreditation requirements such as JCAHO’s ORYX initiative. The outcome measurement function includes ready to use measurement scales based on existing clinical assessment forms from the Service Delivery Module. However, additional standardized clinical assessment or measurement tools can be inserted to meet specific requirements of your organization. In addition, proprietary measurement tools can be inserted such as the Beck Depression Scale, the CAFAS, Basis 32, BSI and similar scales provided that permission is obtained from the proprietary source. (A matrix to assist organizations with the selection of standardized assessments for measurement of clinical outcomes is included with this article.)

A copy of the face sheet for the outcome measurement data entry form is included below:

Outcome measurement projects should be carefully defined to address achievement of the organization’s service delivery philosophy, goals and objectives. Many organizations waste time and financial resources on outcome projects that have minimal “return on investment” to the organization. However, useful measurement projects can be developed to support development of primary prevention programs, evaluate effectiveness of programs and services, demonstrate feasibility for expansion of programs or services, contribute to knowledge of the field, and satisfy requirements of major funding sources. Multiple data collection tools are included in the workflow modules that can be used for evaluation projects including clinical records and a variety of customer-oriented questionnaires.

This module also includes a methodology to formalize development of organizational goals and objectives. Each objective can be formalized using the form below:

In turn, a separate evaluation worksheet form is provided to document evaluation of objectives according to predetermined time frames during the fiscal or calendar year. A worksheet is completed for each objective status review. In this manner, the evaluation methodology is a useful support tool for compliance with accreditation standards requiring that organizations demonstrate quantification and measurement of strategic or operational objectives. A sample of the evaluation worksheet is included on the next page