title: Current evaluation and future needs of a mental health data linkage system in a remote region: a Canadian experience.
abstract: Linking client data across care sectors and agencies is becoming essential to ensure continuity of care, evaluation, and planning of mental health services delivery. The Data Linkage System (DLS), a record-linked, client-based, mental health database in northwestern Ontario, was established in response to this need. It is a voluntary system currently used by 30 of 40 mental health programs. The study surveyed program administrators to determine the system's utilization, perceived value, and future needs regarding data collection. The survey results delineated the perceived usefulness of the DLS in a remote region. The findings will provide direction for continued development of the DLS.
authors.affiliation: Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital.
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Squire
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bédard
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hegge
authors.forename: Vicki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Polischuk
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003628:Database Management Systems; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008498:Medical Record Linkage; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D009864:Ontario; D012040:Regional Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018511:Systems Integration