Objectives: As efforts increase to utilize computer based management information systems in the substance abuse treatment system, it also becomes necessary to ensure that accurate and useful information is collected. A relevant question is to what extent do the client and counselor perspectives reflect similar information and to what extent is the information reflective of actual status. Methods: The CSAT sponsored Treatment Outcomes and Performance Pilot Study (TOPPS I) project, as implemented by the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, gathered information from the client and the counselor at several points in time during the residential treatment process. Client perspectives were gathered at admission and at follow-up, while counselors provided information about the client several weeks after treatment began and at discharge. Using bivariate analyses, the study looks at similarities and differences between perspectives with a focus on a multivariate analysis of predictors of outcomes at follow-up. Results: Early analyses indicate differences between client and counselor perspectives on a number of variables including service utilization, substance use, social relationships and psychological symptomatology. In these analyses, there is variation among the variables in whether counselors or clients report higher rates. Conclusions: The analysis will provide an indicator of data that when collected from either the client or the counselor will be similar and will identify those areas for which care must be taken to collect the information in a way that will accurately reflect the client’s status.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to identify some aspects of data collection efforts that will need to be sensitive to whether the data is provided by the client or the counselor in residential substance abuse treatment
Keywords: Outcomes Research, Information Systems
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: SAMHSA sponsored TOPPS I research data as gathered by Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: My work is currently funded by a SAMHSA sponsored project as administered through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Bureau of Substance Abuse Services