The selection of which measures to use should include a consideration of whether having regular outcome data will help improve program services. Outcome measures should describe results, not process activities. There are variety of tools and methods to measure outcomes. Once a decision is made about what will be measured and what tools will be used, the next step is to determine when the information will be collected. Monitoring involves the regular collection and analysis of information on the condition and satisfaction of clients after they have received services.
Monitoring implies an ongoing process.
In human services programs, client information is generally gathered at intake and at some later follow-up time. The shift to results-based assessment may require additional training of frontline workers and managers. Many outcome objectives describe a change in a client's behavior, knowledge or condition as a result of an intervention from participating in a program. A commonly used method to measure change is to compare intake and follow-up information. Intake information is generally gathered as close as possible to the client's initial contact with the program to provide a picture of the client's condition before receiving services.