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Published Online: 6 November 2009

SAMHSA Helps Abuse Programs Improve Outcomes, Efficiency

Mark MoranAuthors Info & Affiliations
Publication: Psychiatric News
Volume 44, Number 21
https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.44.21.psychnews_44_21_015
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Abstract

A new SAMHSA publication offers guidance on how to integrate evidence-based practices for substance abuse treatment into clinical practice.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a technical-assistance publication for substance abuse programs wishing to implement “best practices.”
Written for substance abuse treatment administrators, managers, and supervisors, the 72-page manual, titled “Implementing Change in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs,” suggests practical and efficient approaches for introducing and implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs). It includes steps for assessing an organization's readiness to adopt new practices, identifying priorities in adopting EBPs, evaluating progress, and sustaining change over time.
The manual covers principles of implementing change, preplanning and planning for change, implementation of EBPs, evaluation, and sustainability.
According to the manual, implementing EBPs can offer the following benefits to treatment programs:
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Improve client outcomes: EBPs are interventions shown to be effective with specific client populations.
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Increase access to effective treatment: Implementing interventions and programs with proven effectiveness gives an organization the greatest chance of helping the most people.
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Engage staff: Implementing change involves the entire organization. Involving staff and key stakeholders in the process can improve buy-in, enhance motivation, and ultimately reduce turnover.
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Improve operating margins: EBPs can reduce treatment costs while improving outcomes. More effective interventions and processes can reduce relapse and recidivism, requiring fewer treatment cycles. Proven, targeted treatments also may enable programs to eliminate less-effective program elements and increase volume, thereby improving the bottom line.
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Save time: EBPs can streamline treatment, reduce duplication of services and strategies, and increase staff productivity. If planned well, implementation efforts can foster efficient tracking of clients and outcomes, setting the groundwork for future change and adjustments.
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Transform organizations from reactive to responsive: Through the process of planning and implementing change, organizations can develop the infrastructure to readily identify and address problems and implement solutions.
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Provide justification for funding: Systematic data collection and the evaluation of outcomes are parts of the change process. Evaluation provides valuable information for grant and accreditation applications and documents outcomes to sell the program. Evaluation data also can be used to justify a shift in funding to practices that have proven outcomes.
“Implementing Change in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs” is posted at <http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA09-4377.pdf>.

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Psychiatric News
Volume 44 • Number 21 • November 6, 2009
Pages: 9

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Published online: 6 November 2009
Published in print: November 6, 2009

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