Approaches to Information Sharing and Assessment: Evidence From a Demonstration Program

This article categorizes and delineates approaches to information sharing and assessment in a demonstration program established by central government in England. Its purpose was to develop and test a set of principles relating to a general assessment framework for adults in demonstrator sites, maximizing the use of information technology where feasible. The method employed comprised the systematic analysis of documents associated with the funding application and a telephone interview with personnel in each site. Data were collected from 17 initiatives, 13 of which provided detailed information on information sharing within the assessment process. A taxonomy of approaches was produced and information sharing in the assessment process reported in terms of setting and personnel; approaches to data collection, storage, and transfer; and changes to the process. A classification of the initiatives within a demonstration program was a useful means of describing them. Measures of intermediate outcomes captured changes in information sharing between agencies. Local initiatives were successful in promoting electronic information sharing between health and social care agencies.