episodes of care
Use of ‘episodes’ allow the user to see a client record for a specific episode of care, or time period during which the client received services, as opposed to the entire clinical record. When a client is discharged from all programs/services, that episode essentially closes. If the client returns, a new episode is created. The client still only has one client number/client file, but all of the clinical documents and client record details are captured for and stored within the respective episode. For a client with more than one episode of care, the user would select which episode they want to view. This assists with maintaining client record details and makes it much easier for the user to look at historical information (i.e. previous addresses, names, illness/intake dates, active record dates, etc.) without having to rely on the change log. As it is, we are essentially overwriting data in the client’s record. Additionally, the change log is an almost impossible method for finding historical information, particularly for long-term clients and clients receiving multiple services. This would also be incredibly helpful in pulling data for reporting.