The Massachusetts Retail Data Management System (RDMS)

Massachusetts Retailer Data Management System (RDMS) Audience: This session will benefit those that coordinate and evaluate youth access efforts and those who seek to update retail environment data collection systems and simplify data reporting. Key Points: It is of vital importance for tobacco control programs to maintain an electronic data collection system where tobacco retailer lists and inspection/survey results can be recorded in the field. The RDMS includes records on all tobacco retailers including compliance check and store inspection results, and the results of surveys monitoring the retail environment for pricing and advertising. The RDMS allows our programs to track enforcement activities, payments of fines, and to run data reports. RDMS has allowed the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program (MTCP) to track in “real time” where youth access issues exist and when new products and pricing/advertising strategies are being introduced. Educational Experience: The audience will learn key points by witnessing a full demonstration of the RDMS system, showing the data entry for inspections and surveys, route mapping, retailer list maintenance, enforcement tracking, and data report creation. Benefits: The RDMS provides timely, accurate, useful and easily accessible data to the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program and our partners. This data allows MTCP to focus youth access efforts in areas where interventions are needed and to inform and support policy initiatives. The RDMS has helped MTCP become a data-driven program which has helped to sustain our program in times of budget reductions.