Kansas will use bhworks to collect data and submit it to the federal government

Baltimore, MD — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) received a 5-year federal grant to reduce harms and deaths from suicidality in residents ages 25 years and older, and this September will be using bhworks software to collect patient data and report it back to the federal government.

bhworks, the comprehensive, validated, behavioral health software platform powered by mdlogix has data collection and reporting tools to help federal government grantees get data flowing between non-federal organizations and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Performance Accountability and Reporting System (SPARS).

Leslie Hale is KDHE’s Zero Suicide program manager who is managing the SAMHSA grant, which is heading into its second year on Aug. 30. The grant’s mission is to improve suicide care in health care systems by expanding the Zero Suicide model in Kansas. The NOMs data collection will be utilized in monitoring those who receive grant-funded Zero Suicide services.

“It’s a very new process for everyone,” Leslie explained. “We didn’t know a lot about NOMs when we submitted the grant since it’s a new requirement. You have a quick turnaround to submit that data. It’s collected within the first 7 days of a patient being entered into the program; then again at 6 months and then at discharge.”

Leslie heard about bhworks through a K-12 youth mental health grant the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has underway that is using the software. She sat in on a demonstration.

Psychiatrist Allen Tien, MD, MHS, mdlogix president and chief science officer said, “This bhworks service substantially increases staff efficiency and reduces reporting from weeks to within 24 hours with minimal data errors. Information can be put into the SPARS system in real time with our software.”

bhworks can be accessed from any web-enabled device, providing organizations with tools to deliver behavioral health services anywhere people live, work, study, or receive care. For federal grantees the system enables them to:

  •  Fill out SAMHSA forms such as the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) NOMs directly in bhworks;
  •  Schedule reassessment / follow- up interviews according to grant requirements;
  •  Automatically send data to SPARS when forms are completed or manage the workflow for manual data entry into SPARS; and
  •  View collected data in real-time interactive dashboards

bhworks is one of the leading statewide behavioral health care platforms. Its tools adhere to all data security measures (HIPAA and FERPA compliant).

“mdlogix is providing us the support and direction about NOMs that we need,” said Leslie. “I wouldn’t want anyone to be dissuaded from applying for a federal grant with the data collection requirement. For example, the software allows us to use the Columbia assessment [Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale] and handle the intricacies of collecting and reporting the data. It’s a great platform for monitoring outcomes. Being able to partner with mdlogix has been super helpful.”

Leslie is starting with one CMHC this September and plans to expand it over the next four years to the other CMHCs.

“We need to increase the number of CMHCs who use the Zero Suicide model and framework. We want to establish a plan of care pathway for suicide that incorporates best practices and offers trainings,” said Leslie. “We also want to conduct more screenings and assessments in primary care provider offices and help them handle referrals.” The other bhworks software modules manage those processes.

Join us. Learn more about bhworks by going to mdlogix.com and requesting a demo today.

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mdlogix, home of bhworks, designs software that combines science and practice. We are on a mission with our clients to improve behavioral health care together.