The use of computerized management information in evaluation

This article discusses the practical issues in using computerized management information systems (MIS) data in mental health program evaluation. A general procedure is proposed for defining useful evaluation questions and integrating computerized MIS data with qualitative data from interviews with administrators and staff. Using an actual evaluation of two alcoholic-treatment programs with data from the Multi-State Information System as an example, a number of practical problems in collecting and assembling useful information are presented. Strategies for overcoming these difficulties are suggested. The authors believe that MIS data can be extremely useful in planning, evaluating, and refining treatment programs; however, care must be taken to assure the quality and utility of the data.