Using a multimethod approach to measure success in perinatal drug treatment

In the evaluation study of Options for Recovery (OFR), a comprehensive statewide initiative to promote perinatal drug and alcohol recovery, a critical step in the design and implementation of the research was to define and operationalize indicators of success. Rather than rely on any single evaluation method, a number of different data-gathering strategies were used to illuminate and provide a context for data that pertained to a given indicator. Qualitative information, derived from the interviews with staff and clients, yielded a set of treatment success indicators that was used to guide the selection of quantitative variables, as well as provide a contextual understanding of the quantitative findings. The quantitative findings helped to objectify the qualitative information. This article discusses the practical application of this multimethod approach and its effectiveness in measuring client success and illuminating the complexities of perinatal substance use treatment and recovery.