title: Rationales, obstacles and strategies for local outcome monitoring systems in substance abuse treatment settings.
abstract: The need for outcome monitoring systems (OMS) in substance abuse treatment is now such a pervasive position that it has achieved 'motherhood' stature. Yet, for a variety of reasons, implementation of systematic, ongoing monitoring continues to lag in most settings. The position taken in this article is that a local approach to monitoring is a viable alternative to large scale monitoring programs when such programs are unavailable. Moreover, local OMS can supplement these more generic programs by providing data that are more in tune with the orientation and program development of a specific setting. This article argues that local OMS can be developed with a reorganization of customary documentation procedures, a modest investment of personnel and specialized technical resources, a shorter-term view to outcome, and a commitment to evidence-based treatment.
authors.affiliation: Pavillon Foster Addiction Treatment Center, St Philippe de LaPrairie, QC J0L 2X0, Canada. brotho@douglas.mcgill.ca
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Topp
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ross
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000191:economics; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*