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COMSIS Com munity S ervices I nformation S ystem Training and Support Tutorial

Version: Detailed Updated: 30 January 2012. COMSIS Com munity S ervices I nformation S ystem Training and Support Tutorial. Overview. This training material is organised into five (5) sections: Introduction Geographies Data

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COMSIS Com munity S ervices I nformation S ystem Training and Support Tutorial

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  1. Version: Detailed Updated: 30 January 2012 COMSISCommunity Services Information System Training and Support Tutorial

  2. Overview • This training material is organised into five (5) sections: • Introduction • Geographies • Data • Building the evidence base – analysis, presentation and validation • Support and feedback Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM) Framework (Detailed information and examples are included within the sections above) • COMSIS is an easy system to use and to navigate, but we suggest that new users run through the training material to get an understanding of what COMSIS is and what it offers. • Don’t be afraid to ‘play’ in COMSIS to find out what it can do and how to best get the information you need out of it – as a user it is impossible for you to accidently change the data or to break the system! Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Overview Contents

  3. Contents • Building the evidence base– analysis, presentation and validation • 4.1 Analysing and presenting data from COMSIS (quantitative data) • 4.2 Validating quantitative data with local knowledge (qualitative data) • Introduction 1.1 Introducing COMSIS 1.2 Using the evidence in COMSIS 1.3 Accessing COMSIS • Geographies 2.1 Understanding the geographic hierarchy in COMSIS 2.2 Selecting a geographic area in COMSIS • Data 3.1 Running a regional profile in COMSIS 3.2 Locating data in COMSIS 3.3 Specialised data – Disadvantage-Need-Risk (DNR) Rankings 3.4 Running a database query in COMSIS • Support and feedback • 5.1 Need more help using COMSIS? • 5.2 Providing feedback to ensure COMSIS meets your needs Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM) Framework Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  4. 1.1 Introducing COMSIS • COMSIS stands for Community Services Information System. • COMSIS was built and is maintained by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research (OESR), a portfolio office of Queensland Treasury, for the Department of Communities on behalf of the Non-profit Community Services Sector (the sector). • COMSIS is a key tool under the Queensland Compact in establishing a core set of common standards and information across Queensland for identifying disadvantage, need and risk. • The release of COMSIS to the sector is one step towards an integrated, evidence-based approach to policy and program development through collaboration with and across government departments and the sector. • COMSIS supports the sector to access robust data for use in evidence-based planning. • Provision of Disadvantage-Need-Risk (DNR) rankings through COMSIS presents the sector with access to the outputs of internal research and analysis, without incurring any of the costs associated with research and analysis activity, or contravening current data agreements with other government agencies. Geographies Data App: EBM Introduction Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  5. 1.1 Introducing COMSIS (continued) • COMSIS provides a single comprehensive source of local, regional and state-wide data for Queensland (over 200 datasets for localities and population groups) that may or may not be readily available elsewhere, but would be quite time consuming to manually or otherwise retrieve and compile. • Data topics (broken down into ‘Subjects’ and ‘Collections’ in the COMSIS database) include: disadvantage-need-risk (DNR) ranks; demography; population estimates, projections and characteristics; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; ethnicity and culture; disability; education and training; social wellbeing; labour/employment; housing; and disadvantage. • COMSIS data can be accessed by viewing pre-constructed Profiles or by querying the Database. • COMSIS Related data links are also provided to support the concept of single point of enquiry for data relevant to the community services sector, but not suitable for loading into the Database. • Provides data for Queensland, Department of Communities’ Regions, Local Government Areas and Statistical Local Areas • Provides access to various data series • Output can be printed or downloaded to Excel for further analysis • Provide an overview for Queensland and for Department of Communities’ Regions • Provide examples of data topics and presentation styles • Are constructed using data in the COMSIS Database • Output file can be printed or saved COMSIS Database COMSIS Profiles • Provides links to relevant electronic documents and data that are not eligible to be loaded into the COMSIS Database • Supports COMSIS as a single point of enquiry for data relevant to the community services sector by managing the need for different levels of access based on data quality, lack of a consistent statistical geography and confidentiality requirements • Provides access to national data complementary to Queensland-specific data held in COMSIS COMSIS Related data Geographies Data App: EBM Introduction Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  6. 1.2 Using the evidence in COMSIS • COMSIS is a dynamic database – it continues to be improved and updated over time as a result of: • additional or more recent data becoming available, e.g. updated Census data, population projections, • successful negotiations with data custodians to release relevant data (e.g. health data, crime and safety data) to the sector through COMSIS on the basis that it be used as indicative data only, for the purposes of planning and policy development, • feedback from the sector about their needs, and • sector capacity to request and generate data for upload to COMSIS. • Because COMSIS is not static: • electronic copies or printouts of the data should not be relied upon as being the most recent data available for your area of interest, and • users are encouraged to return to the source (to re-check COMSIS). Skip additional slides and go to next section Geographies Data App: EBM Introduction Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  7. Additional slide (section 1.2) Using the evidence in COMSIS • Evidence in COMSIS can potentially be used to: • back up or question current thinking, or known qualitative data, about an area • assist in making decisions about interventions, and to provide a reliable and independent source of data to report on programs after intervention has been implemented (using time series data) • develop and/or target programs and services to meet specific community needs where the needs are greatest • inform the development of policy by informing policy makers on the issues that need to be addressed for people in communities • prepare community profiles for background in proposals for development funding • justify activities in certain areas • prepare presentations for meetings with government to demonstrate population shifts, education levels, and income levels • compare local data (numbers/rates) to regional and state-wide data (numbers/rates) to identify relative advantage/disadvantage in relation to regional/state averages • combine data with other local communities to identify possible sharing of services/resources. • For more information see Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM) Framework. Geographies Data App: EBM Introduction Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  8. 1.3 Accessing COMSIS • COMSIS can be accessed by the sector via the Internet at: • Department of Communities • Community Door, a 'one-stop shop' for information, tools and resources to support community-based organisations in Queensland http://communitydoor.org.au/ • COMSIS can be accessed by Department of Communities’ staff via the Intranet • Access to the COMSIS database is via username/password: • The first time you use COMSIS, you will need to register online and follow the prompts. • An email will automatically be sent to you advising your COMSIS access details. A valid email address is required (this will be your COMSIS username). • You only need to register once. When you receive your access email you can log in to COMSIS. • Please note the COMSIS Terms and Conditions. • For more information about COMSIS see thebrochure. Skip additional slides and go to next section Geographies Data App: EBM Introduction Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  9. Additional slide (section 1.3)Accessing COMSIS (Home Page) (1 of 2) Click on “Database” to log in to the COMSIS database application – here users can choose data that best meets their needs Click on ‘Profiles’ to obtain access to pre-set Regional and Statewide profiles (no log in required) Click on ‘Related data’ to access additional data that could be used in conjunction with the Database and Profiles (no log in required) Geographies Data App: EBM Introduction Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  10. Additional slide (section 1.3)Accessing COMSIS (Database) (2 of 2) Log in after registering Register Here First time users or Register Here Geographies Data App: EBM Introduction Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  11. COMSIS Geography State-wide Regional Local COMSIS geographic hierarchy Queensland Department of Communities’ Regions (Regions) (7) Local Government Areas (LGA) (75) Statistical Local Areas (SLA) (479) 2.1 Understanding the geographic hierarchy in COMSIS • COMSIS allows users to generate tables on key indicators organised by geography and data topics. • COMSIS geography has been broadly referred to in this training material as “local, regional and state-wide” (refer to information below for more detail). At each hierarchical level (Regions, LGAs, SLAs), the geographic areas collectively cover all of Queensland without gaps or overlaps Regions aggregate to cover Queensland as a whole LGAs aggregate to form Department of Communities’ Regions SLAs aggregate to form (or in regional areas are often the same as) LGAs Skip additional slides and go to next section Introduction Data App: EBM Geographies Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  12. Additional slide (section 2.1)Understanding the geographic hierarchy in COMSIS (1 of 2) • Statistical Local Area (SLA) • SLA is defined within the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC), a classification system designed and maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) which divides Australia into geographical areas (or spatial units) for the purpose of collecting and disseminating statistics.The Main Structure of the ASGC has five hierarchical levels, comprising in ascending order: CDs-SLAs-SSDs-SDs-S/Ts (i.e. Census Collection Districts – Statistical Local Areas – Statistical Sub Divisions – Statistical Divisions – States/Territories). • SLA is the smallest geographic area for release of data within COMSIS(Note: SLA is currently the base spatial unit used to collect and disseminate statistics other than those collected from the ABS Population Census). • COMSIS currently operates on the 2006 edition of the ASGC. • SLA maps are available from the ABS website (Search the ABS website for “2006 Census Data by Location”, choose “Browse”, Type of Location: choose “SLA”, State: choose “Qld”, and drill down to the area of interest). See also http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/Data choose “2006 MapStats, choose “Browse”, Type of Location: choose “SLA”, State: choose “Qld”, etc. Mapping software will provide better presentation of neighbouring SLAs. • In Brisbane, SLAs generally equate to suburbs. In regional areas, SLAs generally cover larger geographic areas and are often the same as LGAs. • Local Government Areas (LGA) • COMSIS currently operates on LGA2010. This is useful for work at the community level and aggregation to Communities’ Regions is clean. • Department of Communities’ Regions • COMSIS currently operates on the Communities’ Regional structure (7 regions) which came into effect on 3 August 2009. Introduction Data App: EBM Geographies Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  13. ASGC 2001 ASGC 2006 Additional slide (section 2.1)Understanding the geographic hierarchy in COMSIS (2 of 2) • Time Series • ASGC boundaries are subject to change over time based on changes in local government structures and changing populations realised with each Census. • COMSIS currently operates on the 2006 edition of the ASGC. ASGC 2001 was phased out as more datasets have been released at ASGC 2006. • LGA and SLA data should not be compared between different ASGC editions without first verifying if any boundary changes have occurred. (This should be noted for future versions of COMSIS and when comparing external data with data held in COMSIS.) Example: In 2006, Cherbourg SLA was separated out from Murgon SLA • Future Directions • The ABS intends to replace the current ASGC with the new Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) through an implementation strategy commencing in 2011. • The ASGS will be based upon mesh blocks creating more stable and consistent units than the ASGC. It will be the new basis for the publication of the complete range of ABS spatial statistics. The ABS anticipates that the ASGS will be widely adopted outside the ABS and will facilitate the cross comparison of spatial statistics. • The COMSIS hierarchical geography will need to be updated to adopt the ASGS. The proposed timing for this change will coincide with the availability of data from the 2011 Census (i.e. from mid 2012). • Want more information?Go to COMSIS Database, Additional information pages: “Concordance and ASGC Information”. Introduction Data App: EBM Geographies Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  14. 2.2 Selecting a geographic area in COMSIS How to select the geographic area? Availablegeographic areas COMSIS Profiles • Queensland • Department of Communities’ Region • Identify and select the Region of interest as the FIRST STEP of running a profile • There are two (2) processes involved: • Identify and select the Region(s) of interest as the FIRST STEP of running a database query. • If data is required at a more local level, choose to show the Query Results by selecting either LGA or SLA after the query has been run, i.e. the Regional data is refined as one of the LAST STEPS in running a database query. • Queensland • Department of Communities’ Region • Local Government Area (LGA) • Statistical Local Area (SLA) COMSIS Database Skip additional slides and go to next section Introduction Data App: EBM Geographies Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  15. Additional slide (section 2.2)Selecting a geographic area in COMSIS (FIRST STEP) Identify and select the Region(s) of interest as the FIRST STEP of running a database query: • To compare regions with each other, move all Available Region(s) to Selected Region(s) in this initial step. • If the aim is to look at one Region and/or one or more SLA/LGA within a Region, and making comparisons with a Queensland total, only move that Region from Available Region(s) to Selected Region(s) in this first step. • Some to-ing and fro-ing may be required to run the query the best way – use Restart Query as needed. Use the arrow keys to move Regions between the columns > Moves one or more highlighted Available Region(s) across to Selected Region(s) >> Moves all Available Region(s) to Selected Region(s) < Moves one or more highlighted SelectedRegion(s) back to AvailableRegion(s) << Moves all Selected Region(s) back to Available Region(s) Regions can be highlighted using the mouse (left pad) in combination with the Shift and Ctrl keys Click here Introduction Data App: EBM Geographies Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  16. Additional slide (section 2.2)Selecting a geographic area in COMSIS (LAST STEPS) (1 of 2) Regional data is refined to obtain data at a more local geographic level as one of the LAST STEPS in running a database query: • This is done on the Query Results, i.e. after the query has been submitted. Click here Using the mouse (left pad), click on thedown arrow to view the drop down list. Select (click on) the geographic area you are interested in. Introduction Data App: EBM Geographies Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  17. Additional slide (section 2.2)Selecting a geographic area in COMSIS (LAST STEPS) (2 of 2) • If you selected “Show SLA” from the previous page, the output would provide results for each SLA within each selected region Note change of wording in the drop down list, which allows you to go back to the higher geographic level Introduction Data App: EBM Geographies Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  18. 3.1 Running a regional profile in COMSIS How to access the profiles? Profiles are available from the COMSIS Home page and from the menu at the top of each screen. Note: Username/password access is not required for the profiles. Why use the profiles? Why not go straight to the database? Profiles provide: • an overview, or snapshot, of each region compared to Queensland as a whole • a summary of the data in COMSIS (which can then be queried in the database at lower geographic levels)Tip: check the “Source” of the data within the profile, to help identify the “Collection” it belongs to within the database. • examples of how to present data in terms of structure and content • a brief analysis of the data How to run a regional profile in COMSIS? 1. Select the Region of interest 2. Select the Topic(s) of interest 3. Select the Output Type required 4. Review the Profile 5. Print or save the profile Skip additional slides and go to next section Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  19. Additional slide (section 3.1)Running a regional profile in COMSIS (1 of 3) 1.Select the Region of interest. 2. Select the Topic(s) of interest. Data within the profiles are arranged by “Topics” which are ordered to keep ‘like’ groups together but are not grouped under separate headings,e.g. education, employment etc. Click on “All Regions” or on one of the single regions Click on “All Topics” once and a tick will appear in all boxes. Click again, and all ticks will be removed. To select a small number of topics, only click on the topics of interest. In this example, “All Topics” have been selected. 3. Select the Output Type required. This will depend on your intended use of the profile. • Select Create Report. • You will be asked to either Open, • Save or Cancel the file download. Click on the output type required (only one selection will be allowed) Click here Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  20. Additional slide (section 3.1)Running a regional profile in COMSIS (2 of 3) 5. Review the Profile. Sample “Cover Page”. Use Bookmarks to navigate to a particular “Topic” Use Find to search for a word (e.g. births) to navigate to the page containing data relating to the word or topic Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  21. Additional slide (section 3.1)Running a regional profile in COMSIS (3 of 3) 5. Review the Profile (continued). Sample page “Estimated Resident Population”. Use Bookmarks to navigate to a particular “Topic” Use Find to search for a word (e.g. births) to navigate to the page containing data relating to the word or topic 6. Print or save the Profile. Use the menu at the top of the screen for these functions. Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  22. 3.2 Locating data in COMSIS For a summary of all data currently available in the COMSIS database, go to the “What’s available in COMSIS” information page and open the PDF file.Note: You do not have to be a registered COMSIS user to access this. Click here Click on PDF which opens Skip additional slides and go to next section Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  23. Additional slide (section 3.2)Locating data in COMSIS Use Find to search for a word (e.g. births) to navigate to the page containing data relating to the word or topic Use Bookmarks to navigate to a particular “Subject” Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  24. 3.3 Specialised data - Disadvantage-Need-Risk (DNR) Rankings What is the DNR Ranking? • Disadvantage-Need-Risk (DNR) rankings are a method to identify and rank the high priority groups-locations across Queensland using a combination of measures of disadvantage, need and risk. • The DNR ranking orders localities so that areas with a lower DNR rank are identified as having a higher need for support services than areas with a higher DNR rank. • DNR topics in COMSIS currently include homelessness, youth homelessness, volatile substance abuse, youth justice, vulnerable children and families, and youth at risk of unemployment. • Through the release of DNR analysis undertaken by the Department of Communities and OESR, COMSIS supports the Non-profit Community Services Sector to access robust data for use in evidence-based planning. Provision of the DNR rankings provides access to findings of internal research and analysis, without incurring any of the costs associated with research and analysis activities. Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  25. 3.3 Specialised data - Disadvantage-Need-Risk (DNR) Rankings (continued) There are four principles of use of the DNR: 1. Utilisation of the DNR ranks by the sector is optional; 2. The DNR ranks are not effective unless validated by local conditions; 3. The DNR ranks are based on the best available public and protected data; and 4. The DNR ranks are an indicative identification of need – they are not definitive. • The DNR rank should be considered as only half the story without regional context and a ‘starting point’ for local discussion. Once priority SLAs are identified through DNR ranks, then further examination is needed to assess and tailor the appropriate service delivery response. This activity should include: • discussion with local service staff to capture their understanding of the unique economic, industrial, remoteness or transport characteristics of an area and their experience in supporting the local client base; • developing or enhancing an understanding of the local service system; • being aware of published literature on better practice in client support. • Where DNR ranks significantly depart from the local understanding of need, then there needs to be a discussion around “why” the quantitative data is different. For example, in some areas the Global Financial Crisis has resulted in rapid changes to the client base that are not captured through the Census data on which the DNR ranks are based. Skip additional slides and go to next section Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  26. Additional slide (section 3.3)Specialised data - Disadvantage-Need-Risk (DNR) Rankings (1 of 3) How is the DNR ranking derived? The DNR rank is a composite of three components: • Disadvantage: Socio-Economic Index for Areas: Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (SEIFA IRSD). • Need:A sentinel indicator is a descriptive statistic, or characteristic, that is associated with the risk of an event occurring. For example, experts in the field might suggest that homelessness is associated with housing stress and a history of psychiatric illness. Housing stress and a history of psychiatric illness are potential sentinel indicators.Multivariate analysis of a range of indicators related to a sub-population or issue produces a sentinel indicator/s of need to describe that sub-population or issue. These indicators are developed from research and best-practice evidence of risk factors for particular issues or groups. • Risk: is based on the proportion of the target population within the general population. The final rank provides an indicative ordinal ranking of SLAs so that localities with a lower DNR rank (such as 1, 2 or 3) are identified as having a higher need for support services than localities with higher DNR ranks. However, the ranks do not represent an absolute comparison of need (i.e. a locality with a lower DNR rank than another locality is not necessarily more ‘needy’). For example, an SLA with a DNR Rank of ‘1” indicates the SLA has the most disadvantage and a ranking of ‘479’ indicates an SLA of least disadvantage. Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  27. Additional slide (section 3.3)Specialised data - Disadvantage-Need-Risk (DNR) Rankings (2 of 3) The “DNR Ranking Collection Notes” (see next slide) list the variables which comprise the DNR scores and is available through a link on the COMSIS home page (see below). Click on ‘What is the DNR Ranking’ Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  28. Additional slide (section 3.3)Specialised data - Disadvantage-Need-Risk (DNR) Rankings (3 of 3) Linked from COMSIS Home page Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  29. 3.4 Running a database query in COMSIS How to access the database? The database is available from the COMSIS Home page and from the menu at the top of each screen. Note: Access to the database is via username and password. How to run a database query in COMSIS? 1. Select the Region(s) of interest 2. Select the Collections of interest Regional statistics available in COMSIS are arranged in a hierarchy The COMSIS hierarchy provides a structured way of thinking about information, allowing users to identify available data starting from Subject groups (or themes). Collections are accessible from multiple Subject groups where there is a logical “fit’.For example, the Collection “Country of Birth by Person by Sex” is available in COMSIS by choosing either: “Demography”, then “Ethnicity and Culture”, or “Census”, then “Census 2006 - Basic Community Profiles”. Subject Collection Series 3. Select the Time Periods and Output Style of interest 4. Review the Query Results and refine the geographic area 5. Print the query results or Download to Excel Skip additional slides and go to next section Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  30. Additional slide (section 3.4)Running a database query in COMSIS (1 of 8) 1. Select the Region(s) of interest Use the arrow keys to move Region/s from Available Region(s) across to Selected Region(s). In this example, “Central Queensland” Region has been selected as the Region of interest. Click here Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  31. Additional slide (section 3.4)Running a database query in COMSIS (2 of 8) 2.Select the Collections of interest. COMSIS data is arranged in a hierarchy: ‘Subject’, ‘Collection’ then ‘Series’, (see also ‘What’s available in COMSIS’ PDF which shows the same hierarchy as column headings). Step 1: Select a Subject Step 1: Select a Subject, click on arrow to view the list, scroll down the list and click on a Subject. Selecting a Subject will then cause the relevant list of Collections to be loaded for Step 2: Select Collection (see next page). Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  32. Additional slide (section 3.4)Running a database query in COMSIS (3 of 8) 2. Select the Collections of interest (continued). Step 2: Select Collection Step 3: Select Series Step 2: Select Collection, click on arrow to view the list, scroll down the list and click on a Collection. Selecting a Collection will then cause the relevant list of Series to be loaded for Step 3: Select Series. Step 3: Select Series, use the arrow keys to move one or more highlighted Series from Available Series across to Selected Series. In this example, only “Totals” have been selected, and by clicking on the arrow >, only these 3 Series will be selected. Click here Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  33. Additional slide (section 3.4)Running a database query in COMSIS (4 of 8) 3. Select the Time Periods and Output Style of interest. Step 1: Select a Period Type, and Step 2: Select Date Range Only click on the arrows to view the lists if you wish to change the pre-selected values. Usually there is only one Period Type per Series, but there may be more than one value within the Date Range if Time Series data is available. Suggestion: Go with the recommended Display Style as a first step. If the layout of the Query Results table is not suitable, go back and choose a different option from the Display Style list. Click Submit Query after the display style has been chosen Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  34. Additional slide (section 3.4)Running a database query in COMSIS (5 of 8) 4. Review the Query Results and refine the geographic area. A major strength of COMSIS is as a single source of local (SLA and LGA), regional (Communities’ Regions) and state-wide (Queensland) data Query Results can be sorted in ascending or descending order by clicking on the arrows at the top of each column. For more complex analysis, select Download to Excel • Footnotes and Source information: • Read these notes • Keep them connected to the output Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  35. Additional slide (section 3.4)Running a database query in COMSIS (6 of 8) 4. Review the Query Results and refine the geographic area (continued). Query Results can be sorted in ascending or descending order by clicking on the arrows at the top of each column. For more complex analysis, select Download to Excel. Click on Apply If Show SLA was selected, output would be by SLA Using the mouse (left pad), click on the down arrow to view the drop down list. Select (click on) the geographic area of interest. Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  36. Additional slide (section 3.4)Running a database query in COMSIS (7 of 8) 5. Print the query results or Download to Excel. Click on selected output option ‘Download to Excel’ or ‘Print’. “Download to Excel” will allow you to open, save or cancel a file containing the Query Results and including all notes. Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  37. Additional slide (section 3.4)Running a database query in COMSIS (8 of 8) This Excel spreadsheet was created by selecting “Download to Excel” after selecting SLA from the COMSIS query used in the previous example Keep Footnotes and Source Information connected to the output Save the Excel file to a directory of your choice, using a suitable filename. Filenames created for the downloaded file by COMSIS are unique but will not be appropriate for record keeping. Introduction Geographies App: EBM Data Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  38. 4.1 Analysing and presenting data from COMSIS (quantitative data) COMSIS Query Results can be: • viewed onscreen in COMSIS, • printed from COMSIS, or • downloaded to Excel (Note: all headings, footnotes and source information are retained within the downloaded file). Choosing the “Download to Excel” option: • increases presentation options, and • enables more powerful analysis of the data to be undertaken. For example: • Tools within Excel, such as PivotTable, PivotChart, Chart Wizard and Filters, assist in data analysis and allow the data to be presented in various ways including being copied into other documents. • Once data has been downloaded to Excel, it is in a format that can be imported into other data analysis tools, e.g. mapping software, for further analysis/presentation options. • Data can be analysed either in isolation or in conjunction with other data output for the same geographic area. Skip additional slides and go to next section Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Support and Feedback Building the Evidence Base Contents

  39. Additional slide (section 4.1)Analysing and presenting data from COMSIS (1 of 2) “Download to Excel” was selected from COMSIS In Excel, formulas were added to the output and two (2) charts were produced (using ChartWizard). The charts clearly show variations between LGAs and with the Regional average. Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Support and Feedback Building the Evidence Base Contents

  40. Additional slide (section 4.1)Analysing and presenting data from COMSIS (2 of 2) • Using spatial information it is possible to integrate or link data and information from a variety of sources that would otherwise be difficult to associate. • Maps can be used to effectively present and analyse data by providing: • the ability to relate different layers of information covering the same location to assist decision makers to draw conclusions about the relationship between the service system and people requiring service provision, • quick visualisation, evaluation and validation of spatial and nonspatial data, and • clear representation of groupings of ‘like’ geographic areas. • While COMSIS does not currently provide a mapping facility, some maps are available through the Regional Profiles, e.g. SEIFA Quintiles. • The Department of Communities’ will develop the capacity to visually map data over time as need identification methodologies, resources and tools within the Department’s needs based planning and resource allocation framework become more sophisticated. Such maps can be extremely useful tools in analysis of data and planning of service delivery. Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Support and Feedback Building the Evidence Base Contents

  41. 4.2 Validating quantitative data with local knowledge (qualitative data) • A range of gathered evidence is referred to as an evidence base. • This information can be developed over time as quantitative and qualitative data sources emerge and are updated. • For additional information see Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM) Framework. Quantitative data • COMSIS data • ABS statistics • Service system data such as inputs, outputs and outcomes • Research and evaluation data • Only as good as the information collected • Is it current? What has changed since the information was collected? Qualitative data • Client perspectives on need and service performance • Other stakeholder views • Analysis of services and service systems • More difficult than quantitative data torecord and quantify • Subjective Evidence Base • Holistic perspective of focus area (can built on over time) • Analysis of high need – high risk locations against local knowledge • A needs based approach measures need and existing service supply in light of key priorities What is it? (examples) Notes + = Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Support and Feedback Building the Evidence Base Contents

  42. 5.1 Need more help using COMSIS? • “Additional COMSIS Database information pages” • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) • What’s Available in COMSIS? • Tutorials: • Two versions of this Training and Support Tutorial (supporting individual learning styles) • Links to relevant Australian Bureau of Statistics websites and publications • Data Request • Concordance and ASGC Information • About COMSIS (printable brochure) • Terms and Conditions • Notifications via the Website and by Email • Significant changes to COMSIS • Upcoming training or information sessions • COMSIS support – how to use COMSIS? • Tutorials (see above) • Email: COMSIS_support@communities.qld.gov.au • Phone: 07 3224 7589 • Further information on analytical methods for use with these data • OESR web site Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  43. 5.2 Providing feedback to ensure COMSIS meets your needs The Department welcomes your feedback on whether the evidence in COMSIS meets your needs and on the usefulness of these tutorials. Contact us via Email at: COMSIS_support@communities.qld.gov.au COMSIS has the capacity to host sector data and data requested by the sector. • Have you identified gaps in the evidence base? • Do you want to make recommendations for future updates (data or functionality) in COMSIS? Here’s HOW: • Contact us via Email at: COMSIS_support@communities.qld.gov.au • Complete a Data Request form Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  44. Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM) Framework (1 of 2) • Evidence Based Management (EBM) is a coordinated set of principles, standards and processes which produce an evidence base for better matching services to high priority community needs. • EBM aims to ensure priority allocation of resources to those Queenslanders who are most in need and in line with State Government priorities and the Department’s strategic directions. • A strong evidence base for each of the major policy and program areas of the Department is paramount for supporting well informed decisions regarding how best to address priorities. Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

  45. Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM) Framework (2 of 2) Using evidence to drive policy at service development, strategic and operational levels Core principles and standards Principles: P1. Needs analysis – specific to particular target groups/issues. P2. Service system assessment – assessment of services in terms of their individual performance, relationship to each other and contribution to an effective system for addressing complex needs. Appropriateness of service models in terms of best practice. P3. Community capacity assessment – broad assessment of the presence and effectiveness of supportive community organisations and networks. Standards: S1. Geography – national standard small area statistical geography aligned directly with the Department’s seven regions. S2. Data Quality Framework – embodied in COMSIS. Service System GAPS? Is there a service or set of services to meet identified need? Community Capacity Need Introduction Geographies Data App: EBM Overview Building the Evidence Base Support and Feedback Contents

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