Version:
Updated:
Quick Start
30 January 2012
COMSIS
Community Services Information System
Training and Support Tutorial
Overview
•
This training material is organised into five (5) sections:
1. Introduction
2. Geographies
3. Data
4. Building the evidence base – analysis, presentation and validation
5. Support and feedback
Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM) Framework
(For more detailed information and examples, refer to COMSIS Tutorial, Version: Detailed)
Overview
•
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!
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
Contents
1.
Introduction
4.
1.1
1.2
1.3
Introducing COMSIS
Using the evidence in COMSIS
Accessing COMSIS
Building the evidence base
– analysis, presentation and validation
4.1
2.
Geographies
4.2
Analysing and presenting data from COMSIS
(quantitative data)
Validating quantitative data with local
knowledge (qualitative data)
2.1
5.
Support and feedback
2.2
Understanding the geographic hierarchy in
COMSIS
Selecting a geographic area in COMSIS
3.
Data
5.1
5.2
3.1
3.2
3.3
Need more help using COMSIS?
Providing feedback to ensure COMSIS meets
your needs
Running a regional profile in COMSIS
Locating data in COMSIS
Specialised data – Disadvantage-Need-Risk Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM)
(DNR) Rankings
Framework
Running a database query in COMSIS
3.4
Overview
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
1.1
Overview
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.
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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.
•
•
COMSIS
Profiles
•
•
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
Related data
•
•
Overview
Contents
Introduction
•
COMSIS
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
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
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
1.2
Overview
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).
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
1.3
Overview
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 the brochure.
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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).
COMSIS Geography
COMSIS geographic hierarchy
State-wide
Queensland
At each hierarchical level (Regions, LGAs,
SLAs), the geographic areas collectively cover
all of Queensland without gaps or overlaps
Regional
Department of Communities’ Regions
(Regions) (7)
Regions aggregate to cover Queensland as a
whole
Local Government Areas (LGA) (75)
LGAs aggregate to form Department of
Communities’ Regions
Local
Statistical Local Areas (SLA) (479)
Overview
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
SLAs aggregate to form (or in regional areas
are often the same as) LGAs
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
2.2
Selecting a geographic area in COMSIS
Available
geographic areas
COMSIS
Profiles
•
•
Queensland
Department of
Communities’ Region
•
•
COMSIS
Database
•
•
Overview
Contents
Introduction
Queensland
Department of
Communities’ Region
Local Government Area
(LGA)
Statistical Local Area
(SLA)
Geographies
Data
How to select the
geographic area?
•
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
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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
Overview
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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
Overview
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
3.3
Specialised data - Disadvantage-Need-Risk
(DNR) Rankings
What is the DNR Ranking?
Overview
•
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.
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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.
Overview
•
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.
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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
Subject
Collection
Series
Overview
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:
1. “Demography”, then “Ethnicity and Culture”, or
2. “Census”, then “Census 2006 - Basic Community Profiles”.
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
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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:
•
•
•
Overview
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.
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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
What is it?
(examples)
Notes
Overview
Qualitative 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?
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
 Client perspectives on need
and service performance
 Other stakeholder views
 Analysis of services and
service systems
 More difficult than
quantitative data to
record and quantify
 Subjective
Data
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
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
5.1
Overview
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
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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:
•
Complete a Data Request form
Overview
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
•
Data
Contact us via Email at:
COMSIS_support@communities.qld.gov.au
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
Appendix: Evidence Based Management (EBM)
Framework (1 of 2)
Overview
•
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.
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM
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.
Service
System
GAPS?
Is there a service or set
of services to meet
identified need?
Standards:
S1. Geography – national standard small area statistical
geography aligned directly with the Department’s seven
regions.
S2. Data Quality Framework – embodied in COMSIS.
Community
Capacity
Need
Overview
Contents
Introduction
Geographies
Data
Building the Evidence Base
Support and Feedback
App: EBM