Bshs 375 - Interoperability and Human Services

Interoperability and Human Services

Jessica Layman

BSHS/375

5/3/2015

Norma Swales

Interoperability and Human Services

Interoperability is the ability of two systems to work together and use the information that has been exchanged.  Interoperability between agencies and systems is critical to human services.  Interoperability affects service delivery, the ability to receive and send information, client goals and outcomes.  Human services uses interoperability to communicate with other systems and services for increased results.  Interoperability makes accessing and sharing information about clients efficient and can help link clients to other services that may be helpful.  There are three different levels of interoperability.  The first level, loosely linked network model offers the most basic of data exchanged.  The next level, the network model, can transfer data between systems.  The third and final level, the top-down model, offers the most flexibility, this level can send, receive and interpret the date.

Regional Center of the East Bay is private, non-profit corporation under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services ("Regional Center of the East Bay", 2004-2011).  RCEB plans and coordinates services and supports for people of all ages with developmental disabilities.  RCEB provides case management services and funds a variety of services.  Regional Center monitors the quality of services provided to people with disabilities.  They can diagnose and evaluate clients for Regional Center services.  Regional Center wants to support people and their families with developmental disabilities in their community.  Regional Center provides services to people of all ages from birth through adulthood.  In order to qualify for services, RCEB must determine if there is a developmental delay present Services ("Regional Center of the East Bay", 2004-2011).  Once a developmental delay is established the client is assigned a case worker and goals and services and provided to the client.  Regional Center provides support and services to children and their families in the local community.  

Loosely, Linked Network Model

In a loosely, linked, network model agencies only use the applications and tools it needs to achieve their goals (Schoech, 2010).   This model has a lower cost infrastructure cost because system-wide activities are minimized (Schoech, 2010).  The loosely, linked network model can be expanded for growth as needed.  This model allows for flexibility on the part of the agency.  An organization may be using several different applications.  They are not coordinating with other applications they are using.  Loosely linked network models are not centralized and are therefore not as efficient as a cohesive as a centralized system would be.  The system can not interpret the data that is used.  This type of system offers the most basic of data exchange.  Regional Center of the East Bay could incorporate a loosely, linked network model by allowing clients to log onto their website to send a message to their case worker.  They could also receive messages from their case worker this way as well.  If RCEB's system goes down clients could call or e-mail their caseworker in order to communicate.