The primary uses of such data are problem identification and description, performance or program management, program evaluation, and cost-effectiveness and/or cost-benefit analysis. Regarding problem identification and description, data can show that a problem exists and whether it has increased or decreased over time, as well as its relationship to other measured factors. Regarding performance or program management, data can show what results have been produced under various program regimens; for example, data can show the number of clients who have received services, the demographic profiles of the clients, the nature of the services provided, the needs of the clients, and the outcomes for the clients of the services provided. Further, data are crucial for program evaluation and subsequent adjustments to services to make them more effective. Data used in cost-benefit analysis help determine whether the benefits of the program are worth the costs of providing the program. The types of data that should be collected include descriptive data, outcome or performance data, surveillance data, collaborative trend analysis, nontraditional data, and collaborative and aggregate data. The integration of data collection across various systems allows multiple providers to share information on the same case. A discussion of considerations in developing data systems focuses on software programs, type of data, quality of data, flexibility, access, user friendliness, and staff training. Also discussed are pitfalls to avoid in data collection and the positive results of data collection and analysis. 1 resource