Integrating research and practice in the CSAT Methamphetamine Treatment Project

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Community-based treatment organizations often face challenges integrating research into practice.
• The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Methamphetamine Treatment Project (MTP) provides a context for examining this integration.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving both research integrity and treatment effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamics of integrating research and practice in community-based substance abuse treatment organizations.
• To explore how participants perceive the integration of substance abuse treatment and research.
• To characterize successful and ideal drug treatment from the perspective of those involved in research-practice integration.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted.
• Eight treatment organizations in the western United States participated.
• Eighty-five participants, including those directly under the MTP cooperative agreement and agency staff, were interviewed.

Main Results:

• Participants expressed concerns that client needs might not be fully met within research study parameters.
• New relationships, such as between Research Assistants and clients, were identified as potentially impacting research integrity.
• The integration of research can affect overall treatment program dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Projects integrating research and practice must carefully consider clinicians' client orientations.
• The influence of research activities on treatment program dynamics requires attention.
• Addressing these factors is essential for successful research-practice integration in substance abuse treatment.