The Breastfeeding Data System is a Web-based data collection system designed to produce high-quality data on breastfeeeding peer counselor service delivery and its effect on outcomes. But the Breastfeeding Data System does more than that; it also provides management support and communication tools for its users, facilitating their performance as peer counselors, supervisors, and site directors.
Besides providing a flexible set of data forms for peer counselors to use as they care for program participants, the system gives counselors reminders and guidance on which data should be collected when; has a messaging system for counselors and supervisors to communicate about particular cases; provides tools for counselors to use as they plan their contacts with participants; and shows counselors and supervisors their outcome and utilization statistics as data is collected.
For supervisors, the system includes summaries of each counselor's caseload, overviews of participant data forms, and tracking and note-keeping for supervisory meetings. The Breastfeeding Data System also alerts a supervisor if one of her counselors is falling behind on filling out data forms.
Using the Breastfeeding Data System, site directors can access outcome and utilization statistics for their sites as a whole and for each supervisor's group of counselors.
This is a project of HealthConnect One, www.healthconnectone.org, a nationally recognized nonprofit training and technical assistance agency that uses innovative, community-based approaches to support direct-service providers in promoting the health of mothers, infants, and families.
The Breastfeeding Data System web site was created by Harris-Braun Enterprises in 2010.