The Lancaster Model Data Management System (DMS)

Content

The DMS implements the Lancaster Model as a web-fronted database, offering:

• On line customer-driven surveys – time-bound surveys can be created at every stage of the model.
• Customised alerts at every level – alerts can be directed to individuals, organisations or groups, and sent in a choice of formats.
• Security – the model is implemented as a cloud solution, giving ultimate resilience and protection from attack.
• Anonymous stored data – response data is stored against a unique identifier (UID), partial home postcode and DCFS school code. UID is generated by the client and cannot be decoded by the model. Individual alerts are passed back to the client to have their UIDs decoded before forwarding to relevant health professionals.

Structure

The DMS is built from industry-standard components for reliability and ease of use.

Interfaces

The DMS can support data load and reporting interfaces with partner organisations via HTTP(S)/XML, (S) FTP/CSV and other standard methods. In addition, individual alerts can be sent via email.

Data Reporting

All collated information is reported on at 4 levels:

• Level 1 – Targeted information to identify individual need and direct pathways of care
• Level 2 – School information utilising level 1 data without being able to identify individuals
• Level 3 – Locality data utilising both level 1 & 2 data identifiable by partial home postcode
• Level 4 – Regional PCT data utilising all levels

Content of Data

There are seven themes which are consistent throughout each of the questionnaires; these themes form a structured framework to give children, young people and their families the opportunity to discuss their concerns and aspirations and ask for the help, support and information they personally require:

• Universal Health – (Medical conditions, medical problems, dental care)
• Risk & Protective Factors – (Social interactions, attachment theory, carers information, bullying, accidents & safety)
• Family Health – (Disabilities, longstanding illness, family support)
• Emotional Health & Wellbeing – (Strengths & difficulty assessment tool)
• Lifestyle Choices – (Diet, weight management, body image, physical activity)
• Lifestyle Behaviour – (Alcohol, smoking, drug use, solvent use, sexual health)
• Services & Choice – (Required information, setting for delivery)

Selection Pathways

The questionnaires have been formulated using research, government targets and public health priorities. Each specific question aims to enable the identification of individual pupils who require targeted interventions, using 5 selection pathways. These pathways have been developed by utilising existing, recommended assessment tools; for example, a pre-assessment CAF to proactively identify vulnerable groups and alert professionals to any risk factors and the strengths and difficulties scoring tool to evidence incipient emotional health problems.

Staged Contacts

The Healthy Child Programme 5-19 (2009)1 recommends staged contacts at specific milestones of a child's life; the health needs assessment process provides the vehicle to deliver this universal agenda. Ultimately contacts can be adjusted, adapted and increased overtime in response to new evidence and research and other government directives.

Commissioning Framework

All 4 levels of data collection can additionally be utilised to monitor team activity, practice delivery and evidence distribution of resources. The process provides a format for workforce planning, directing staff placement and caseload allocation.

1 Healthy Child Programme(5-19) Department of Health/Department for Children, Schools and Families 2009