Data
Promoting Integration through Shared Data
Effective treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders requires sharing information across systems and across agencies. Data sharing supports integrated services by facilitating communication and collaboration among organizations needed for:
- Integrated screening and assessment
- Holistic treatment planning
- Coordinated service delivery and continuity of care
Individuals with co-occurring disorders may be asked to give permission so that agencies can share:
- Treatment plans and goals
- Service referrals
- Insurance and benefit status
- Information about medication
- Follow-up services
Data sharing also supports planning, evaluation and quality assurance activities by providing information and analysis on the following:
- The prevalence of co-occurring disorders
- Service utilization across systems
- Program performance and costs
- Individual outcomes and costs
Such data is essential for effective policymaking. It may support the identification of effective treatments and best practices. It also provides key data on the nature and extent of co-occurring disorders and helps public officials identify:
- Unmet treatment and prevention needs
- Set priorities
- Anticipate workforce demands
- Determine appropriate resource allocations
Overcoming silos
Data related to mental and substance use disorders are often collected and owned by separate systems of care. Silos of information inhibits effective and efficient coordination of services, continuity of care, and assessment of treatment outcomes and costs, resulting in suboptimal care.
States integrating substance abuse and mental health services have undertaken a variety of activities to promote shared data capacity, including:
- Linking data from different systems
- Adopting data standards
- Enhancing data captured by management information systems
There are a variety of federal initiatives relating to data sharing, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. Initiatives to share data must take into account confidentiality requirements regarding behavioral health information.
While increasing data sharing capacity is not enough to integrate care, it does create important infrastructure to promote integration treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Resources and Links
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Overview of the epidemiology of COD for the layperson and practicing professional
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Data sharing across agencies and systems is important to improve client care and coordination. This article describes current federal and state initiatives to improve data interoperability, or the ability of different systems to work together. It includes challenges and recommended steps to reforming data systems.
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Portal for statistical information to support decision-making regarding prevention and treatment of COD
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Easily understood figures on prevalence of COD among veterans
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Study of outcomes between integrated and non-integrated treatment services highlighting common barriers to collaboration
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Data illustrating number of mental health issues among persons presenting for substance abuse treatment
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A discussion of the four-quadrant matrix for understanding severity of individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders
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A brief summary of the current status of research studies on a range of interventions
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Statistics and related quick data on alcohol use
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Easily understood statistics related to co-occurring disorders
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A summary of clinical trials aimed at improving the use of evidence-based practices to improve drug abuse treatment
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A brief summary of nicotine in the context of mental illness, substance use, and treatment approaches
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A brief overview of gambling and its relationship to mental health and substance use
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A brief summary of mental illness, substance use, and homelessness among the elderly