RCSLT Online Outcome Tool

Getting ready to use the ROOT

Are you ROOT-ready? 

This flowchart has been developed to guide members through the typical sequence of steps involved in implementation, but this will vary from service to service. (Last updated: December 2021)

Complete our online registration form to let us know that your team/service is interested in using the ROOT.

If you would like a quick guide as to why your organisation should use the ROOT, see our Top 5 reasons to use the ROOT.

Information Governance Pack 

This document has been developed to support speech and language therapy services with understanding legal requirements and local policy regarding information governance and data security legislation. (Last updated: 1 December 2023)

Please note: Changes have been made to the ROOT data sharing agreement, which came into effect on 1 December 2023, and the information pack has been updated accordingly. This summary document sets out the changes to the data sharing agreement and the reasons for the changes. 

Briefing pack

This document provides a high-level overview of the ROOT and how you can get the most out of using the tool. (Last updated: February 2020) 

Data specification for compatibility with the ROOT

This pdf document has been developed to support those opting to use the upload method and sets out the requirements for local databases to be compatible with the ROOT. (Last updated: June 2023)

Templates to support services using the data upload method :

• ROOT template - episode per row (Excel)
• ROOT template - rating per row (Excel)
• ROOT template - score per row (Excel)

Other things to consider before getting started:

• Unique patient identifiers  - Guidance on using unique patient identifiers on ROOT

• Additional data fields - these can be activated for use by services who wish to use them
  
  

• Setting up multiple teams or services - guidance for organisations who want to link different teams or services

•  Which method of recording? An introduction to the two methods of adding data to the ROOT

• Next steps for implementing ROOT in your service:
  
  
• direct data entry method
• data upload method

• You may wish to provide your patients with information about how their pseudonymised data will be used on ROOT. We have developed some example leaflets which you may find helpful:
  

• Patient leaflet template - full version (Word)
• Patient leaflet template - short version (Word)
• Patient leaflet template - easy read version (Word)