New Database of Instruments that Measure HCBS Outcomes for People with Disabilities

Tue Sep 18 2018
RTC-OM logo.

ICI's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Outcome Measurement (RTC-OM) has developed a database that catalogs instruments commonly used to measure the outcomes of recipients of home and community based services (HCBS). Consistent with the HCBS Settings Rule, these services are intended to support persons with disabilities to live, work, and recreate within inclusive communities. HCBS programs serve persons with a variety of disabilities supporting their self-determination, community inclusion, and overall quality of life. "The database is a key component of the Center's work in improving measurement of HCBS outcomes," says Renáta Tichá, one of the Center's Co-Principle Investigators. 

The RTC-OM's HCBS Outcome Measurement Database includes information on over 120 instruments, allowing users to access information related to whether an instrument's items correspond to the critical domains and subdomains of the National Quality Forum's HCBS Outcome Measurement Framework; whether questions are person-centered; who responds to items as well as their response options; and the instrument's psychometric properties (i.e., reliability, validity, sensitivity to change). "The database is designed to aid policymakers, providers, and researchers in selecting instruments most appropriate for answering questions with respect to the outcomes experienced by the recipients of HCBS and the quality of the supports they receive," says Tichá. 

The database is available in two versions, one of which can be accessed by the public and the other whose use is restricted to developers of measures and staff from federal agencies who administer HCBS programs. RTC-OM Co-Director, Brian Abery indicates that, over the next several months, the Center will be providing a series of training webinars to potential users of the database. Individuals interested in participating in these sessions should check the RTC-OM's website for the training schedule. 

The RTC-OM is co-directed by Brian Abery, who serves as the Principle Investigator, and Amy Hewitt.