Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
development costs could be amortized over time
whilst there will be savings with a move from
paper based and error prone system to collation
and analysis done by the system.
To fully realize the value of software programs,
their introduction requires leadership, the orga-
nizational readiness to change and the research
capacity of staff to maximize the utility of infor-
mation systems. The introduction of software may
also entail a significant diversion of staff from
management, administration and service provision
to participate in the necessary training.
(optional) integrated billing function accommo-
dates a complex variety of funding and payment
scenarios with efficiency and ease. Users, from
clinical service providers, to reception, billing staff
and management have user-defined authorized ac-
cess to various aspects of the system and benefit
from the specific workflow and reporting features
relevant to them. By integrating all components
of service provision whilst customizing the user
experience the system is extremely efficient and
easy to use. With little to no duplicate data entry
a wealth of information can be captured. Penelope
can be used to report on a wealth of information
of interest to the organization as a whole in ad-
dition to complete individual case files. Program
and funding utilization statistics and client and
program outcomes can be related to such service
characteristics as length and/or frequency of ser-
vice, participation in and/or receipt of multiple
services, presenting needs/diagnoses, staff and
staff caseloads and attributes (qualifications,
specializations), demographic variables and more.
Such powerful reporting allows organizations to
identify strengths and gaps in service, identify
and secure recurring and additional funding op-
portunities and monitor progress towards internal
benchmarks. This chapter will focus on this par-
ticular aspect of the software.
penelope
Penelope byAthena Software is a feature-rich and
flexible case management and client information
management solution for mental health and human
service providers. The software brings together
billing, clinical documentation and outcome man-
agement - into a secure and easily implemented
web-based package. Penelope is a client-centric
system that captures the spectrum of services a
client may be receiving, from individual, family
and group clinical services to educational and
preventive programs. A wealth of demographic,
referral, risk and bio-psycho-social information
can be collected and custom recovery plans can be
built into the system. In addition, the MIS (Man-
agement Information System) captures progress
notes, signature forms and attachments such as
images and external documentation.
At an enterprise level system, Penelope not only
accommodates hundreds of concurrent users but
facilitates coordination of care through assignment
of providers to cases. This provider assignment
can encompass different models ranging from
primary or multiple providers for a single service,
a multi-disciplinary team approach or a single
pairing approach for one-to-many services. The
integrated scheduler component captures service
provision through time and also coordinates ser-
vice among administrative and clinical staff; an
core features
The case file is a central component of the practice
information system in all health and human service
agencies. In a paper based office, these files hold
personal and service information about individual
clients and their families. The case file is also a
key component in the case management software
environment being stored and managed electroni-
cally rather than in a file room or cabinet.
In a case management software environment,
files are based on individuals participating in,
or receiving services from the agency. When an
agency accepts a client referral and provides a
service, the agency collects, as part of the intake
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