An International, Multidisciplinary Consensus Set of Patient-Centered Outcome Measures for Substance-Related and...

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The need for standardized outcome monitoring in addiction treatment was highlighted by the Institute of Medicine in 1990 to enhance research quality.
• Despite various national measures, a global consensus on standard addiction outcome measurement is lacking, necessitating international collaboration.
• The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) convened a working group to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and recommend a globally applicable minimum set of outcome measures for individuals seeking addiction treatment.
• To establish a consensus among international experts and individuals with lived experience on essential addiction outcome indicators.

Main Methods:

• A 16-month modified Delphi process involving 26 addiction experts from 11 countries and 5 continents, including 5 individuals with lived experience.
• Evidence-based proposals were generated and refined through videoconferences and online consultations.
• The proposed set was reviewed by 123 professionals and 34 individuals with lived experience globally.

Main Results:

• A consensus recommendation for a minimum set of outcome measures covering alcohol, substance, tobacco, gambling, and gaming disorders in individuals aged 12 and older.
• Key outcome domains include frequency/quantity of use, symptom burden, quality of life, global and psychosocial functioning, and overall health and wellbeing.
• Recommendations also include standard case-mix variables and measurement time points.

Conclusions:

• Consistent outcome measurement improves patient-provider relationships, shared decision-making, and service quality in addiction care.
• This consensus set facilitates benchmarking, evidence synthesis, and the dissemination of best practices in addiction treatment evaluation.
• The recommended outcome set is freely available for global adoption in healthcare settings.