Discharge Status as a Performance Indicator: Can It Predict Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Outcome?

• NCJ Number: 195527
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 91-109
• Author(s): Mark K. Godley; Susan H. Godley; Rodney R. Funk; Michael L. Dennis; David Loveland
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): RO1 AA10368
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed the relationship between discharge status and therapeutic outcomes after discharge from a residential treatment program for adolescents.

Abstract

Discharge status is frequently cited as a performance indicator with high intuitive appeal to serve as a low-cost proxy indicator of therapeutic outcome. Researchers are just beginning to address the relationship of discharge status to therapeutic outcomes for adolescents treated for substance abuse. Eighty-six clients were categorized based on the discharge status assigned by the treatment program and interviewed using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs questionnaire at intake and 90 days after discharge. The paper suggests that future research examine the relative importance of pretreatment factors, length of stay, and discharge status. The paper claims that use of discharge status as a performance indicator is probably most helpful when used within a treatment program where there is careful standardization. Discharge status is better suited as a performance indicator for treatment retention, not treatment effectiveness. Tables, references