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(facs) DEX: Measuring and reporting outcomes using SCORE

Posted on July 15, 2021

  A message from Anthony Shannon

Hi all, 

This is the seventh of 10 newsletters to help TEI service providers finalise and submit their data. The first reporting period of this year ended on the 30 June 2021. Service providers now have until the 30 July 2021, to enter their data and resolve any issues. Once the system closes on the 30 July, you will not be able to enter or edit any data for Jan – June 2021 reporting period. 

What is SCORE?

SCORE stands for ‘Standard Client / Community Outcomes Reporting’. It is an outcomes reporting tool that helps report the impact of service delivery. In the Data Exchange, there are four different types of SCORE: Circumstances SCORE: measures changes in individual client circumstances. Goals SCORE: measures an individual clients progress in achieving specific goals. Satisfaction SCORE: measures individual client satisfaction. Community SCORE: measures changes in groups or communities. Each type of SCORE has different domains that can be used to report client outcomes. SCORE uses a 5-point rating scale – this scale varies for each type of SCORE. See the TEI Data Collection and Reporting guide for details.

How do I measure and report outcomes for individual clients?

In the TEI program, service providers have the flexibility to measure outcomes for individual clients several different ways. You can: Use SCORE directly: Use SCORE as a survey tool Use SCORE to conduct a practitioner assessment Use a validated tool and translate the result into SCORE. Use your own tool and translate the result into SCORE. For individual clients, Circumstances and/or Goals SCOREs need to be recorded at least twice – once at the beginning of service delivery and again towards the end. This is so we can see if a client’s circumstances have changed or improved, or if they’re on track to achieve their goals. Satisfaction SCORE only needs to be recorded once – towards the end of service delivery.

For detailed guidance on how to measure outcomes for individual clients see: What is SCORE and how can I use for the TEI Program? TEI Guide to developing surveys E-learning module: Measuring outcomes for individual clients Webinar 9. Measuring outcomes – SCORE for individual clients Outcomes Matrix How do I measure and report outcomes for groups or communities?

In the TEI program, Community SCORE should be used when it is not possible, practical or relevant to record individual clients. For example, a large community event, a drop in centre or a interagency.
Community SCORE can be recorded two different ways: Report one Community SCORE for a one-off session: Conduct a practitioner assessment Use a short survey Report initial and follow up SCOREs for multiple sessions: Use a short survey For detailed guidance on how to use Community SCORE see: What is Community SCORE and how do I use it in the TEI Program? E-learning module: Measuring outcomes for Groups and Communities Webinar 10. Measuring outcomes – Community SCORE Outcomes Matrix
FAQs

How many clients do I need to collect SCOREs for?

SCORE should be reported for the majority of our clients: Circumstances and/or Goals SCORE: an initial and at least one subsequent SCORE for at least 50% of individual clients Satisfaction SCORE: At least 10% of individual clients, per reporting period Community SCORE: The majority of group or community activities where it is not feasible to record SCORE for individual clients* We encourage service providers to collect SCORE information, where appropriate, from a larger proportion of clients to ensure their sample is representative.  Services will not be penalised if they cannot meet the 50% requirements if a genuine attempt has been made to record client outcomes. For more information about the TEI reporting requirements see the Data Collection and Reporting Guide.

Why do my client’s SCOREs appear ‘partially assessed’ in DEX reports?

When you record SCOREs in the Data Exchange, the following information must match: Client ID Program Activity Service type Outcome type (e.g. Circumstances or Goals) Outcome domain (e.g. physical health) If this information does not match the SCOREs will not be paired and the client will appear as only ‘partially assessed’.

Next TEI Inform

The next TEI Inform will focus on accessing and using Data Exchange reports.

Kind regards,
Anthony Shannon
Director, Early Intervention, Volunteering and Youth  

Visit the DCJ website for more information.