De Waag, part of the Forensic Care Specialists (DFZS), is a leading organization in forensic mental health care in the Netherlands. With twelve branches and some 5,000 clients annually, it offers specialized care to clients with (impending) delinquent behavior and related mental health problems. The Waag 's care is organized into four lines of care: General Violence & Ability, Domestic Violence, Sexual Transgressive Behavior and Youth and Young Adults.
The challenge: getting a handle on complex care
The Waag faced the challenge of improving the diagnosis and treatment of their client population, which is characterized by diversity and varying complexity. This does not only make demands on the practitioners, but also on the tools used to provide good and appropriate care. Especially since not all clients are equally motivated for treatment and sometimes have less insight into their own problems. That is why assessment tools, such as risk assessment instruments, are important. The Waag developed these itself because no instrument was yet available for the outpatient forensic field.
One of the biggest challenges for the Waag was the lack of validated questionnaires specifically for the forensic target group. In addition, there was a need for a system that could monitor and support both diagnostics and treatment progress. The organization was looking for a solution that was flexible enough to integrate customized questionnaires and could work seamlessly with other systems such as the Electronic Patient Record (EHR).
The solution: QuestManager as an engine for innovation
Since 2012, the Waag has been using QuestManager (QM) to address these challenges. QuestManager supports diagnostics and treatment at the client level and facilitates scientific research at the group level. The flexibility of QM allows DFZS to incorporate self-developed questionnaires, which is essential given the limited supply of validated lists for forensic care.
What makes QuestManager indispensable?
QuestManager is used daily to monitor treatment progress through structured, clinical measurements. These measurements are visually displayed via dashboards accessible to treatment teams. This enables healthcare providers to make important decisions based on current and relevant information.
The results from QuestManager are used for several purposes:
- Diagnostics and treatment: Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans.
- Scientific research: Developing prediction models and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.
- Care evaluation: Identifying strengths and weaknesses in treatment and implementing improvements.
Structured approach to implementation
The Waag took a structured approach to implementing QuestManager:
- Preparation phase: Creating support and forming a project group.
- Design phase: Designing measurement trajectories in consultation with care providers.
- Construction phase: Integrating measurement tools and adapting them to the specific needs of practitioners and appropriate to the care needs of clients.
- Going Live: Putting the system into use after approval by all stakeholders.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and periodic evaluation of the use of QuestManager.
Higher quality and better treatment outcomes
The implementation of QuestManager has led to higher quality of care and better treatment outcomes. A staff member at the Waag aptly commented, "Whereas I used to have to fill in the risk assessment on paper, in QuestManager it is much easier. It saves time. For example, because scores from the previous measurement are automatically read in so that I only have to change what has changed."
Result: better care, more control
QuestManager offers the Waag the flexibility, customization options and integration possibilities that are essential for their specific treatment processes. The system not only supports daily practice, but also contributes to scientific research and care evaluation. The Waag aims to further optimize the integration landscape and make the workflow around questionnaires more efficient. The goal is to avoid double entry of data and to further improve the user-friendliness of QuestManager.
To other mental health institutions considering implementing QuestManager, de Waag advises to make a thorough analysis of the specific needs and functionalities relevant to the organization beforehand. Focus on the essential functions that improve daily practice and ensure proper coordination with other systems used within the organization.
