Related Experiment Videos
Evaluating and improving VA substance abuse patients' care.
R H Moos1, K Humphreys, P C Ouimette
1Center for Health Care Evaluation, VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Substance Abuse Treatment
- Mental Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established a national program to evaluate care for substance abuse patients.
- This initiative assesses evolving patient demographics, treatment services, and treatment modality effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of VA substance abuse treatment programs.
- To identify factors influencing patient outcomes in substance abuse and mental health care.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide evaluation of process and outcome of care for substance abuse patients.
- Outcome-based evaluations of major VA substance abuse treatment modalities.
- Analysis of patient characteristics, including those with co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Main Results:
- VA substance abuse patients show significant improvement from intake to 1-year follow-up.
- Community residential facilities are integral to the continuum of substance abuse care.
- Continuous outpatient mental health care correlates with better substance use and psychosocial outcomes.
Conclusions:
- VA substance abuse treatment leads to substantial patient improvement.
- Integrated mental health care and residential facilities enhance substance abuse treatment outcomes.
- Findings support evidence-based practices for improving VA mental healthcare quality.