Decision Support Data System (DSDS)

A “system of support” for identifying, collecting and analyzing data in service to the implementation of an innovation or practice. DSDS’s collect process, outcome and fidelity data to help organizations learn about key aspects of their practices and processes for implementation. Efforts are made to ensure that reliable and valid data are collected and used at multiple levels within an organization (administrators, managers, practitioners, quality improvement specialists) so that implementation plans and outcomes are monitored and measured. Key components of DSDS’s include computer hardware, appropriate software, and the infrastructure (technological backbone) needed to properly install and manage the system.