Introduction
5. Why Is Monitoring these Six Outcomes Important?
State Title V programs are responsible for working with community, state, and federal partners to measure and monitor progress in achieving CSHCN core measures. The collection of data on each core measure is necessary for several purposes: (a) identifying the children with special needs, (b) reporting outcome results, and (c) guiding state efforts to ensure a comprehensive coordinated system of care. Measurement enables states to make evidence-driven decisions on where to focus efforts as well as how to set short term and long term objectives to reach the six core outcomes. Evidence-based decision-making allows states to make smart choices in allocating funds by monitoring the extent to which activities achieve the desired results.
Monitoring progress on the six outcomes through a valid and reliable process helps to keep the vision of a community-based system of care on track, and provide important information on what is working and what requires further attention.