The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #51274

Albert M. Woodward, PhD, MBA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-443-6255, awoodwar@samhsa.gov and Ira E. Raskin, PhD, Ira Raskin, 5120 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Encouraging systematic analysis of the ADSS cost and services data is especially timely in light of policy emphasis on program performance measurement and greater efficiency in the use of public resources. The ADSS data can be used to understand the factors that affect the relative success of different modalities in treating substance abusers. This exploratory analysis uses both the client abstract and cost files of ADSS to investigate treatment costs, program structure, and patient outcomes. The study first examines organizational and structural attributes, such as ownership and profitability, by modality and size. It also examines treatment costs by levels of services provided and by type and number of counseling and medical staff. Finally, it analyzes services provided and staffing levels by rates of treatment completion, treatment duration, and patient type. This study highlights researchable questions about substance abuse treatment and outcomes that can be addressed with ADSS data. The strengths and weaknesses of the ADSS data for testing various hypotheses are explored. .

Learning Objectives:

• After the session, the participant should be informed about the ADSS costs and patient variables, able to describe initial findings on ADSS program costs and impact on patients treated in these programs, and to discuss avenues for further, policy-relevant research.

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Cost Issues

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.