title: Improving client engagement and retention in treatment: the Los Angeles County experience.
abstract: This article discusses a two-phase demonstration project focused on the implementation of the Network for the Improvement of Addiction Treatment model of process improvement among substance abuse treatment providers in Los Angeles County, California. A total of 30 Change Teams from 12 county-contracted treatment agencies planned and executed one or more rapid-cycle change projects to reduce wait time to treatment, reduce no-shows to scheduled appointments, increase admissions, or improve continuation in treatment. The findings and lessons learned illustrate the importance of a concrete and straightforward methodology and consistent peer-to-peer interaction provided in a learning collaborative environment. In addition, both ongoing technical assistance and coaching are essential for successful implementation of this innovative, low-cost, evidence-based process improvement strategy.
authors.affiliation: Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA. brutkowski@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Beth A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Rutkowski
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gallon
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Rawson
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Freese
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bruehl
authors.forename: Desirée
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Crèvecoeur-MacPhail
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sugita
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Molfenter
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cotter
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000379:methods*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013997:Time Factors