Casemix Grouper and Outcomes

This project explores the implications of using the casemix classification across mental health services.

The background

The primary objective of the New Zealand Mental Health Classification and Outcomes Study (CAOS) of 2002 was the development of the first version of a national casemix classification for specialist mental health services in New Zealand that built on the Australian MH-CASC project - a joint project carried out in 1996 by the Australian National Mental Health Strategy and Casemix Development Programs and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family to create a casemix classification for specialised mental health services.

This study recommended that this first version casemix classification system be implemented into routine clinical practice, in order that routinely collected data be used to improve it. Te Pou will work within the Test Project environment to develop and implement a casemix grouper. A test site will be identified to implement the grouper and a case study completed to confirm the findings from the CAOS data.

Project update

Test project data has been analysed to provide statistics on individual data elements required for casemix grouping and to identify collections valid for episode building. This process will continue to feed into the business rules and functional specifications required.
Outcomes episode/matched pair analysis has also been completed in the DSS with analysis capacity by days of care and pair type. Issues identified in this process will be resolved before further development progresses.

An Expert Working Group meeting is scheduled for 14 April to work on determination of episodes. A PRIMHD Test file will also be fed into this process, but this still to be confirmed.

Project manager

Alison Bower, Systems Consultant

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Page last updated: 11 June 2008