Outcomes v outputs: Windana's new approach to measuring effectiveness

Melbourne-based Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery Inc is about to start a pilot program aimed at measuring the outcomes of its work, rather than the more common outputs, and is currently looking for an IT solution that can help the organisation collect and analyse data.

Windana, which offers adult withdrawal and recovery services from its headquarters in St Kilda along with a youth service in Dandenong and a long-term residential facility in rural Maryknoll, receives funding from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services as well as donations and philanthropic support for the 2000 or so people it helps each year.