Programmatic Writing
When Expertise is Required
DDM's programmatic writing lead was a principal implementer of DD/MI industry's managed care "client centered" Problem Oriented Recording (POR). POR was the first documentation model to tie goals, objectives and plans together in a systemized quantifiable, qualifiable, data driven documentation model that today is the basis of the Individual Personal Plan (IPP), Individual Service Plan (ISP), Individual Educational Plan and so on.
DDM's program lead expertise was honed during tenure as a 25 year Licensed Psychiatric Technician with nursing privileges, and a therapist trained specifically in infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric DD/MI case management, psychopharmacology, behavioral crisis intervention, and Interdisciplinary Team participation in milieus that included residential treatment programs, psychiatric treatment facilities, general hospital acute psychiatric units, institutes for mental disease, a psychiatric emergency team, a state developmental center, long term care facilities, substance abuse programs, home health care, state hospitals, a state prison, intermediate care facilities, psychiatric health facilities, social rehabilitation facilities, adult residential facilities, day treatment programs, outpatient mental health clinics, psychiatric assessment centers, child/adolescent psychiatric programs, a mobile psychiatric team, residential care homes, and partial hospitalization programs.
These experiences coupled with the DDM team's data driven legal component and award winning writing serves as the foundation of DDM's effectuality using 8 programmatic writing principles:
1. Clear Simple Language
To ensure content is easily understood by Interdisciplinary team members of varying skill levels and professional campgrounds DDM programmatic writing uses plain language that avoids jargon, technical terms, and overly complex sentence structures. Goals, objectives and plans are written in concise 'to the point' quantifiable and qualifiable person-centered syntax.
2. Person-Centered Approach
Respectful empathetic language to emphasize compassion while avoiding patronizing or stigmatizing connotations. This includes respectful working knowledge of causal factors such as chromosomal anomalies, genetic inheritance, natal issues, birth complications, infections, illnesses, traumas, socioeconomic conditions, psychosocial deficits, family history, brain functionality, hormonal imbalances, and other factors unique to personhood in the DD/MI community.
3. Visual Aids and Supports
To support documentation efficacy data sheets, flow charts, images, icons, symbols, and other visual cues are used to reinforce understanding.
To make abstract concepts more concrete charts and diagrams may be used for more complex processes.
4. Consistency and Structure
DDM's writing structure and terminology is predictable and breaks down information into digestible parts that reinforce understanding and avoid confusion.
5. Sensitivity
The non-Judgmental tone of our documentation is written in a way that is supportive, encouraging, and free from judgment. This includes clear instructions for emotional regulation such as trigger warnings and coping strategies for information needed to be discussed with clients and family members who may benefit from guidelines on how to manage emotions or stressful situations.
6. Flexibility and Adaptability
DDM's case documentation models are tailored to express the needs of different cognitive levels, psychosocial stressors or specific needs (e.g., sensory processing disorders, ADHD, etc.). DDM's documentation formats are appropriately customized match specific individual needs. Responsive customization offers a progression of success accessible to clients and treatment teams alike. It assess and adapts based on administrative and Interdisciplinary team feedback.
7. Legal & Ethical Considerations
DDM's approach complies with privacy laws and standards such as HIPAA that ensures sensitive information is kept private. When applicable, DDM also includes clear, accessible explanations of consent forms or agreements.
8. Support
Contractees are provided ways to reach out if they need help, such as a contact number and person they can talk to. Regularly scheduled check-ins are advise throughout contract duration for follow-up actions to keep contractees engaged and aware of their programs progress.
Conclusion
By focusing on these principles, DDM ensures your documentation not only provides clear and actionable information but also supports the mental and emotional well-being of DD and MI individuals, staff, management and administrators.