When recording DEX Scores for your clients, it's a best practice to keep each Session Score focused on just one or two key domains.
Refer to Data Exchange Protocols August 2024
Think of it like this: Each session is a focused conversation or activity. The score for that session should directly reflect the main progress or status related to those specific topics.
Why Focus Matters:
Clearer Progress Tracking: When a session tackles too many different issues, it's hard to tell exactly what progress was made in each area. Focusing on 1-2 domains provides a much clearer picture of change.
Accurate Reporting: Concentrating on specific domains ensures your scores truly reflect the direct impact of that particular session. This leads to more reliable data for DEX.
Actionable Insights: When scores are focused, you can easily see what interventions are working for specific needs. This helps you and your team make better decisions about future support.
Simpler Data Entry: It makes the scoring process less overwhelming for staff if they know to pick only the most relevant domains per session.
What to do if Needs Vary Widely:
If a client has several very different needs across various "Circumstance" or "Goal" domains, instead of trying to score everything in one session, it's better to:
Create a New Session: Start a separate session for each distinct need or set of goals. This allows you to provide dedicated focus and record a clear SCORE for each specific area.
Example: A client might have an immediate housing need (Circumstance: Housing) but also a long-term goal for English language improvement (Goal: Changed knowledge/skills). You might have one session focused on the housing crisis, and a separate session (even on the same day, if needed) for the language goal.
By following this tip, you'll ensure your DEX scores are meaningful, accurate, and truly reflect the great work you do!