Improving client engagement and retention in treatment: the Los Angeles County experience.
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.
Rutkowski
Beth A
BA
Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA. brutkowski@mednet.ucla.edu
Gallon
Steven
S
Rawson
Richard A
RA
Freese
Thomas E
TE
Bruehl
Alexandra
A
Crèvecoeur-MacPhail
Desirée
D
Sugita
Wayne
W
Molfenter
Todd
T
Cotter
Frances
F
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