Enhancing Behavioral Health Data Management: AHP’s Role in Supporting SAMHSA’s SPARS Project
Since 2021, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has partnered with Mathematica to support the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Performance Accountability and Reporting System (SPARS). This collaboration aims to enhance the collection, analysis, and reporting of critical performance data across SAMHSA’s three centers: the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). AHP’s role in this project is multifaceted, encompassing training development, technical assistance, and data validation to ensure the effective use of SPARS for performance monitoring and resource allocation.
For over 35 years, Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) has been improving health and human services systems of care and business operations to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential.
CHALLENGE
SAMHSA’s mission to advance behavioral and mental health nationwide requires robust data collection and analysis mechanisms. However, managing and improving the SPARS system presented significant challenges, including the following:
- Ensuring accurate and consistent data reporting from numerous grantees.
- Providing timely and effective technical assistance to support grantees in data entry and reporting.
- Developing user-friendly tools and resources to help understand grant requirements and use SPARS.
- Enhancing the backend platform to support data validation, analysis, and reporting.
SOLUTION
To address these challenges, AHP, in collaboration with Mathematica, implemented several strategic initiatives:
- Training Development: AHP developed comprehensive training materials, including Frequently Asked Questions, Question-by-Question Guides, and Quick Reference Guides, to support grantees in understanding and using SPARS effectively.
- Technical Assistance (TA): AHP provided robust TA by responding to ad hoc requests, developing training materials, and offering help desk support to address grantees’ questions and issues promptly.
- Data Management and Reporting: AHP played a crucial role in data validation and reporting by leveraging content knowledge and expertise. This ensured the accuracy and reliability of the data collected through SPARS.
- Platform Enhancement: AHP contributed to the backend platform development, informed by understanding of data validation rules, program requirements, and reporting needs. This collaboration resulted in a more efficient and user-friendly SPARS system.
RESULTS
The partnership between AHP, Mathematica, and SAMHSA yielded significant positive outcomes:
- Improved Data Accuracy and Consistency: Through rigorous data validation and reporting processes, AHP ensured that the data collected were accurate and consistent, enabling SAMHSA to make informed decisions about program performance and resource allocation.
- Enhanced Grantee Support: The comprehensive training materials and responsive TA provided by AHP empowered grantees to effectively use SPARS, leading to better data entry and reporting.
- Efficient Resource Utilization: By streamlining data collection and reporting processes, AHP helped SAMHSA allocate resources more effectively, ultimately supporting the advancement of behavioral and mental health initiatives.
- Informed Decision-Making: The reliable data and insights generated through SPARS enabled SAMHSA to assess program operations and outcomes, driving continuous improvement in their efforts to support behavioral and mental health nationwide.
Through these efforts, AHP has demonstrated its commitment to supporting SAMHSA’s mission and contributing to the advancement of public health initiatives across the United States.
About Us
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) creates powerful solutions to improve health and human services systems. By partnering with the federal government, states, municipalities, healthcare systems, and nonprofits, we help people experiencing the greatest disadvantages lead full and productive lives. We are national leaders in training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, publishing, and dedicated consulting. On issues from workforce development to mental health, substance use disorders to housing and homelessness, we help our clients enhance behavioral health care through systems change. AHP was founded nearly 40 years ago to develop solutions for some of the biggest social infrastructure challenges across the nation. Our company has offices in metro Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Find out more at www.ahpnet.com.
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