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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Evidence Tools
MCHbest. Adequate Insurance.

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Strategy. Outreach Using a Data Collection System

Approach. Develop a data collection system that can monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and success of enrollment and retention efforts

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Overview. Data collection systems can be used to collect, track, and monitor data on potential enrollees to ensure the efficiency and success of enrollment and retention efforts. Such data systems can be used to identify outcomes and to provide feedback that allows outreach partners to follow-up with families. In one study, school and community outreach partners entered uniform data based on a checkbox survey that forced vital data points to be completed. These data were then transmitted to the state to help expedite the enrollment of eligible children in public insurance.[1]

Evidence. Emerging Evidence. Strategies with this rating typically trend positive and have good potential to work. They often have a growing body of recent, but limited research that documents effects. However, further study is needed to confirm effects, determine which types of health behaviors and conditions these interventions address, and gauge effectiveness across different population groups. (Clarifying Note: The WWFH database calls this "mixed evidence").

Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library or related evidence source. (Read more about understanding evidence ratings).

Source. Peer-Reviewed Literature

Outcome Components. This strategy has shown to have impact on the following outcomes (Read more about these categories):

  • Social Determinants of Health. This strategy advances economic, social, and environmental factors that affect health outcomes. SDOH include the conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.
  • Cost. This strategy helps to decrease the financial expenditure incurred by individuals, healthcare systems, and society in general for healthcare services.
  • Health Outcomes. This strategy helps contribute to reducing avoidable differences among socioeconomic and demographic groups or geographical areas in health status and health outcomes such as disease, disability, or mortality.

Detailed Outcomes. For specific outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, access the peer-reviewed evidence and read the Intervention Results for each study.

Intervention Type. Policy Development and Enforcement (Read more about intervention types and levels as defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel).

Intervention Level. Population/Systems-Focused

Examples from the Field. Access descriptions of ESMs that use this strategy directly or intervention components that align with this strategy. You can use these ESMs to see how other Title V agencies are addressing the NPM.

Sample ESMs. Here are sample ESMs to use as models for your own measures using the Results-Based Accountability framework (for suggestions on how to develop programs to support this strategy, see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies).

Quadrant 1:
Measuring Quantity of Effort
("What/how much did we do?")

PROCESS MEASURES:

  • Number of outreach partners trained on using the data collection system to monitor enrollment and retention efforts. (Measures capacity building for data-driven outreach)
  • Number of reports generated from the data system to inform outreach strategies and resource allocation. (Shows use of data for continuous improvement)

Quadrant 2:
Measuring Quality of Effort
("How well did we do it?")

PROCESS MEASURES:

  • Percent of outreach partners consistently entering complete and accurate data into the system. (Assesses quality and reliability of data collection)
  • Percent of outreach efforts that are informed by data insights and tailored to highest-need populations and communities. (Shows data-driven approach)

Quadrant 3:
Measuring Quantity of Effect
("Is anyone better off?")

PROCESS MEASURES:

  • Number of new data-sharing partnerships established between outreach organizations, state agencies, and healthcare providers. (Measures collaboration and data integration)
  • Number of outreach staff who receive advanced training on using data to identify and address gaps in insurance coverage. (Shows building data capacity)

OUTCOME MEASURES:

  • Number of children connected to additional support services and resources as a result of needs identified through the data system. (Measures holistic support for families)
  • Number of policy recommendations made to improve insurance access and retention, informed by data system insights. (Shows using data to drive systems change)

Quadrant 4:
Measuring Quality of Effect
("How are they better off?")

PROCESS MEASURES:

  • Percent of population reached by data-driven outreach efforts. (Measures reach)
  • Percent of outreach partners stratifying their data to identify and address gaps in insurance coverage and retention. (Assesses use of data to advance access)

OUTCOME MEASURES:

  • Percent increase in insurance enrollment and retention rates in communities experiencing coverage gaps, achieved through data-driven outreach. (Measures impact on access)
  • Percent of families served by data-driven outreach who report increased understanding of and confidence in navigating the insurance and healthcare systems. (Indicates empowerment)

Note. When looking at your ESMs, SPMs, or other strategies:

  1. Move from measuring quantity to quality.
  2. Move from measuring effort to effect.
  3. Quadrant 1 strategies should be used sparingly, when no other data exists.
  4. The most effective measurement combines strategies in all levels, with most in Quadrants 2 and 4.

Learn More. Read how to create stronger ESMs and how to measure ESM impact more meaningfully through Results-Based Accountability.

References

1 Ray JA, Detman LA, Chavez M, Gilbertson M, Berumen J. Improving data, enhancing enrollment: Florida Covering Kids & Families CHIPRA data system. Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2015 Apr 1;20(4):749-53.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U02MC31613, MCH Advanced Education Policy, $3.5 M. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.