Archived: Outpatient chemical dependency treatment retention for adults
Research indicates that, for most adult patients, a longer length of treatment, particularly at least 90 days, is associated with positive outcomes such as reductions in substance use, criminal justice involvement, increases in employment and earnings, and stability in housing.
The adult outpatient treatment (contract) retention rate has been relatively stable over the past 8 quarters. (Note: This measure only includes admissions that occurred at least 90 days before the most current data. The most recent data in the system includes records through March 2016, but this measure only includes admission data through December 2015, so all clients have a chance to be in treatment for at least 90 days.)
The current rate (admission data through December 2015) of 66.3%. The Behavioral Health Administration has determined that this metric is completed.
Sustain the University of Washington’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (ADAI) Retention Toolkit on engagement and retention strategies that was developed and disseminated to treatment providers and other stakeholders in January 2015, to provide a technical resource to counties.
Continue to monitor the outcome of the Brandeis Incentive Study and consider adopting strategies that enhance retention and develop other continuous quality improvement strategies to meet the percentage target.
Develop new metrics that address adult client initiation and engagement in outpatient Substance Use Disorder treatment.
The Washington State Behavioral Health Advisory Council (BHAC) has a membership consisting of consumers, providers, advocates, and governmental representatives. The membership represents a balanced representation of the state’s population with respect to race, ethnicity, disability, and age, urban and rural. The Council partners with the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery to make decisions that will best serve citizens in need of mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention programs.
You may find more information on the BHAC here.
