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Association Between Process-Based Quality Indicators and Mortality for Patients With Substance Use Disorders.
Susan M Paddock1, Kimberly A Hepner1, Teresa Hudson2,3
1RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|July 22, 2017
Summary
Receiving appropriate care for substance use disorders (SUDs) is linked to reduced mortality. Quality indicators for SUD treatment initiation, engagement, and specific therapies show significant associations with lower patient mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a significant public health concern associated with increased mortality rates.
- The relationship between receiving appropriate SUD care and subsequent mortality risk is not well understood.
- This study investigates the impact of SUD care quality indicators on patient mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between receiving specific types of care for SUDs and subsequent 12- and 24-month mortality.
- To determine if quality indicators for SUD treatment are linked to reduced mortality.
- To inform healthcare providers and policymakers on prioritizing effective SUD care interventions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 339,966 veterans receiving SUD care via the Veterans Health Administration (2006-2007).
- Logistic regression analysis to assess the association between four SUD care quality indicators and mortality.
- Controlled for patient characteristics and facility service area to ensure robust findings.
Main Results:
- Receipt of indicated SUD care varied from 26.5% to 58.6%.
- 12-month mortality rates were 3% and 24-month rates were 6%.
- All four quality indicators (treatment initiation, engagement, psychosocial treatment, psychotherapy) were significantly associated with reduced 12- and 24-month mortality.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate care for SUDs is demonstrably associated with lower patient mortality.
- Quality indicators for SUD care effectively predict reduced mortality, supporting their use in quality improvement initiatives.
- Prioritizing these validated quality indicators can encourage better delivery of essential SUD treatments.
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