Evidence for substance abuse services and policy research: a systematic review of national databases.
We reviewed 39 national government- and nongovernment-sponsored data sets related to substance addiction policy. These data sets describe patients with substance use disorders (SUDs), treatment providers and the services they offer, and/or expenditures on treatment. Findings indicate the availability of reliable data on the prevalence of SUD and the characteristics of specialty treatment facilities, but meager data on financing and services. Gaps in information might be filled through agency collaboration to redesign, coordinate, and augment existing substance abuse and general health surveys. Despite noted gaps, these data sets represent an unusually rich set of resources for health services and policy research.
Coffey
Rosanna M
RM
The Healthcare Business of Thomson Reuters (formerly Thomson Healthcare), 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 330, Washington, D.C. 20008, USA. rosanna.coffey@thomsonreuters.com
Levit
Katharine R
KR
Kassed
Cheryl A
CA
McLellan
A Thomas
AT
Chalk
Mady
M
Brady
Thomas M
TM
Vandivort-Warren
Rita
R
D016208:Databases, Factual; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006291:Health Policy; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States