Tracking treatment outcomes and changing treatment based on these outcomes is a key element of the IMPACT model's success.

There are many different ways to track patient outcomes and each has its own merits.

Paper

You can track patient treatment outcomes with a paper tracking system. The IMPACT researchers have used this type of system in past and current studies. It has many advantages, including limited set-up cost and ease of use. Examples of these forms are available by clicking on the top button below.

Microsoft Excel^® system

Another option for patient tracking is a Microsoft Excel^® system. Its advantages include limited upfront investment in programming. This tracking system, along with helpful instructions are available by clicking on the bottom two buttons below.

Web-based systems

The original IMPACT study employed a web-based Clinical Information System (CIS) that assisted care managers with patient monitoring, prompting action when needed. This system is described in an article published in Psychiatric Services: Unützer et al. A web-based data management system to improve care for depression in a multi-center clinical trial. Psychiatric Services. 2002; 53:671-678.

A web-based system requires significant upfront investment in programming and hardware (i.e. web server). However, this may be a worthwhile investment for large and geographically dispersed clinic systems. You can view a 'demo' version to see how this type of system works. If you are interested in viewing the 'demo' site, contact the Implementation Center.

Microsoft Access^® and PDAs

Other studies have developed similar patient treatment outcome tracking systems using Microsoft Access® and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant, like Palm Pilot^®). We do not have these to distribute because they were developed by other researchers.