Our Quality Framework
At William Penn Human Services (WPHS), we are dedicated to advancing care and outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) through our innovative Quality Framework and Measurement Approach. Our framework is designed to be adaptable, data-driven, and centered around person-centered care, ensuring that every individual receives the support they need in the way that works best for them. Our goal is to improve lives, empower individuals, and promote equity across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Our Quality Framework
The WPHS Quality Framework is rooted in evidence-based practices and incorporates innovative metrics specifically tailored to the ID/A population. It focuses on several core pillars that guide our efforts:
- Person-Centered Care: We prioritize the needs, preferences, and goals of individuals in every aspect of care, from service planning to delivery and assessment.
- Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): WPHS fosters a culture of ongoing improvement, ensuring that every aspect of service delivery is enhanced through data analysis, feedback, and adaptive strategies.
- Outcome-Based Metrics: We measure progress through specific, measurable indicators aligned with individual goals and broader system objectives, ensuring meaningful outcomes are achieved and tracked over time
Innovative Measurement Approach
WPHS is pioneering the development of innovative quality metrics that go beyond traditional measures. Our approach to measurement integrates data-driven tools, outcomes tracking, and qualitative assessments to provide a comprehensive view of individual and system-wide performance. Key components of our approach include:
- Customized Data Collection: By incorporating personalized service plans, program-specific data, and real-time feedback, WPHS ensures that the data we collect reflects the unique needs and goals of each individual.
- Holistic Measurement: We evaluate success not only through clinical and behavioral health metrics, but also by assessing social participation, community engagement, employment, and quality of life. We believe these broader aspects of well-being are integral to true person-centered care.
- Engagement with Families and Care Teams: WPHS recognizes the importance of family and caregiver involvement. We engage all stakeholders in data collection and performance reviews, ensuring that individuals and their support systems are actively involved in the measurement process.
Key Focus Areas for Quality Measurement
Our innovative approach emphasizes the following core areas of measurement:
- Person-Centered Measurement: We prioritize capturing data that reflects the individual’s unique goals, preferences, and outcomes. Our indicators are designed to measure not just the services provided, but how well those services align with the person’s own goals for independence, community participation, and well-being. This includes tracking meaningful engagement, satisfaction, and achievement of goals in real-time, with active input from individuals, families, and care teams to ensure continuous improvement. Through this approach, we ensure that quality is not just about meeting standards, but about empowering individuals to live their best, most fulfilling lives.
- Service Access and Effectiveness: We measure timely access to services, including the number of individuals served in residential programs, the effectiveness of those services, and the achievement of personal goals outlined in individual service plans (ISPs).
- Community Integration and Participation: WPHS evaluates community engagement, including employment, volunteer opportunities, social participation, and overall life satisfaction, to ensure individuals with ID/A are fully integrated into their communities.
- Health and Well-Being: Our measurement framework tracks both physical and behavioral health outcomes, ensuring individuals receive timely and appropriate care. This includes monitoring emergency department visits, behavioral health crisis events, hospitalizations, and follow-up care.
Our Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
At WPHS, transparency and accountability remain fundamental principles. Our quality framework is designed to be accessible to everyone—individuals receiving care, families, providers, and policymakers. We will provide regular updates on our performance and progress to keep everyone informed.
As we aim to become a PIHP, we are committed to collaborating with community partners, government agencies, and individuals to refine our approach and enhance care quality continuously.
