Outcomes

St. Aemilian-Lakeside, Inc., has conducted formal outcome studies since 1999. The impetus to collect outcome data stems from the agency's strong commitment to measuring the quality of current services and to utilize data for future program development.

In 2003 the Quality Outcomes Department in conjunction with the CQI Committee worked with all of the programs in reviewing program specific outcomes but to establish agency wide benchmarks for those clients who had been discharged. After comparing four years of data, the CQI Committee determined that the following benchmarks would be established:
1) 90% overall satisfaction with services from purchasers, parents, foster parents and clients
2) 75% of clients discharged would be discharged to a less restrictive placement.

In addition to the benchmarks stated above, the study also includes measurements of several key indicators, such as:
· Median length of stay
· Scores on the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS)
· Scores on the Behavior Rating Profile (BRP)
· Results of educational testing in reading and math
· Satisfaction Surveys (including parent, purchaser, client and foster parent)
· Discharge Resource
· Disruption Rate (for Treatment Foster Care)

The outcome study is conducted by the Quality Assurance/Continuous Quality Improvement (QA/CQI) Specialist, and supervised by the Director of Quality Assurance & Technology.

Data is compiled quarterly and summarized annually. It is then shared with St. Aemilian-Lakeside staff and the Board of Directors. A CQI Committee monitors the outcomes data and focuses on areas of care identified as opportunities for improvement.

For more information, including program-specific outcomes data, please contact the Quality Assurance/Continuous Quality Improvement Specialist, Laura Van Alstine at (414) 465-1314 or lvanalstine@st-al.org.