Performance monitoring of substance use disorder interventions in the Veterans Health Administration.

Humphreys K, Harris AH, Kivlahan DR. Performance monitoring of substance use disorder interventions in the Veterans Health Administration. The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse. 2009 Jan 1; 35(3):123-7.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• IIR 07-092 – Process Quality Measures of Addiction Care: Validation and Refinement
• RCS 04-141 – Evaluating Treatment & Self-help Methods of Improving Functioning & Quality of Life Outcomes of Patients with Substance Abuse Disorders

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Measuring and improving the quality of treatment for patients with substance use disorders are enduring challenges. METHODS: This article describes how the Veterans Affairs health care system is using incentivized performance measures to promote more effective delivery of interventions for nicotine, illegal drug, and alcohol disorders. RESULTS: The monitoring and incentive system has increased the delivery of evidence-based services, including screening for alcohol use disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Further work remains to be done to strengthen the connection between process-based measures and longer-term patient outcomes.