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Abstract #151709

Stanley Sacks, PhD, Center for the Integration of Research &Practice, National Development & Research Institute, 71 West 23rd Street, 8th Fl., New York, NY 10010 and Karen McKendrick, MPH, Center for the Integration of Research & Practice, National Development & Research Institutes, Inc, 71 W 23 Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010, 212 845 4595, mckendrick@ndri.org.

This presentation presents the results of a research synthesis of four studies (N=902) that examined the effectiveness of the modified therapeutic community (MTC) for clients with co-occurring disorders (most with severe mental disorders) compared to a control group. A descriptive synthesis found significantly better outcomes for the MTC group in every study, but noted that the measures and domains in which differences were detected varied from study to study. A quantitative synthesis (using meta analysis) detected significantly better outcomes for the MTC group in five of six outcome domains (substance abuse, mental health, crime, employment, housing); no significant differences were detected in HIV-risk. The effects were of moderate size and similar across the five domains (odds ratios<0.67), and consistent across studies within a domain. The overall findings increase the research base supporting the MTC program for clients with co-occurring disorders, while also demonstrating the value of assessing multiple outcomes when evaluating the effectiveness of comprehensive treatment models. Future research should emphasize independent replications, clinical trials, and multiple outcome domains. Given the need for research-based approaches, program and policy planners should consider the MTC when designing programs for co-occurring disorders.

Learning Objectives:

• Foster understanding of the evolution of MTC treatment and research
• Summarize and synthesize the research base for MTC model
• Discuss program and policy implications

Keywords: Co-morbid, Treatment Outcomes

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.