Objective: Research information about clinical outcomes under managed alcohol treatment is the least well documented of the changes engendered by managed behavioral healthcare. This study was undertaken to provide descriptive information on treatment outcomes when services are delivered by a mix of providers whose care is authorized by a major managed care vendor operating in Eastern Pennsylvania. Methods: Data represent paired intake and six month follow-ups (N=389 pairs) of primarily alcohol-dependent clients who received services. Health status, problem severity and usage consequences are assessed with the multi-part Substance Abuse Outcomes Module (SAOM) which measures patient and clinician baselines and patient follow-up report. The six-month follow up rate for post surveys is 60%. Results: Among 44 baseline variables (demographics, health, dependency and other problem), there were few differences among those with follow-up relative to those lost to follow-up. The baselines of those lost reported lower dependence symptoms but more depression and antisocial personality disorder. At the 6 month follow-up 53% were alcohol abstinent; health status and behavioral consequences were significantly improved. Those with previous treatments were least likely to benefit from services (eta sq=.056). Among all follow-ups, the 100 point problem severity scale scores declined from 65.3 - 32.1 by six months with 5+/-11 fewer heavy drinking days/mo and 4.5 +/-10 fewer drinks/drinking days. Efforts are underway to retrospectively and randomly estimate problem severity of those lost to follow-up. Conclusions: If those captured in the follow-up are representative, the proportion of clients benefiting from managed care services is approximately normative. NIAAA R01-11359.
Learning Objectives: Describe outcome domains on the Substance Abuse Outcomes Module and how these change after managed alcohol treatment services. Identify the differing characteristics of patients who able to participate in follow-up relative to those lost to follow-up
Keywords: Managed Care, Treatment Outcomes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: VP of MBHO whose data are under study is PI's spouse. Disclosed to NIAAA prior to grant award.