Christine Timko1, Shalini Gupta1, Nicole Schultz1, Alex H S Harris1. 1. The authors are with Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, California (e-mail: christine.timko@va.gov ).
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine detoxification-related service utilization in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS: VHA data for 266,908 patients were used to examine rates and predictors of receiving detoxification, attending post-detoxification appointments, and entering specialty treatment. Multilevel, mixed-effects logistic regressions were used to examine associations between patient and facility characteristics and service utilization. RESULTS: Nationally, 8.0% of VHA patients with alcohol or opiate dependence received detoxification in fiscal year 2013 (facility range=.1%-20.4%); 43.1% of detoxified patients received follow-up (11.1%-76.4%), and 49.9% entered specialty treatment (13.0%-77.2%). In adjusted analyses, detoxification was more likely among male, younger, white, and homeless patients with documented alcohol or opiate disorders and comorbid general medical conditions but without previous addiction treatment. Detoxification was also more likely in facilities with fewer vacant addiction therapist positions. Follow-up and specialty treatments were more likely among younger, healthier homeless patients with previous addiction treatment and a documented alcohol use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Detoxification-related service utilization was highly variable across the VHA. Interventions are needed to optimize use.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine detoxification-related service utilization in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS: VHA data for 266,908 patients were used to examine rates and predictors of receiving detoxification, attending post-detoxification appointments, and entering specialty treatment. Multilevel, mixed-effects logistic regressions were used to examine associations between patient and facility characteristics and service utilization. RESULTS: Nationally, 8.0% of VHA patients with alcohol or opiate dependence received detoxification in fiscal year 2013 (facility range=.1%-20.4%); 43.1% of detoxified patients received follow-up (11.1%-76.4%), and 49.9% entered specialty treatment (13.0%-77.2%). In adjusted analyses, detoxification was more likely among male, younger, white, and homeless patients with documented alcohol or opiate disorders and comorbid general medical conditions but without previous addiction treatment. Detoxification was also more likely in facilities with fewer vacant addiction therapist positions. Follow-up and specialty treatments were more likely among younger, healthier homeless patients with previous addiction treatment and a documented alcohol use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Detoxification-related service utilization was highly variable across the VHA. Interventions are needed to optimize use.
Authors: Tami L Mark; Katharine R Levit; Rita Vandivort-Warren; Jeffrey A Buck; Rosanna M Coffey Journal: Health Aff (Millwood) Date: 2011-02 Impact factor: 6.301
Authors: Orion Mowbray; Brian E Perron; Amy S B Bohnert; Amy R Krentzman; Michael G Vaughn Journal: Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse Date: 2010-08-02 Impact factor: 3.829
Authors: James R McKay; Deborah Van Horn; David W Oslin; Megan Ivey; Michelle L Drapkin; Donna M Coviello; Qin Yu; Kevin G Lynch Journal: Addiction Date: 2011-08-08 Impact factor: 6.526
Authors: Andrea K Finlay; Jessie J Wong; Laura S Ellerbe; Anna Rubinsky; Shalini Gupta; Thomas R Bowe; Eric M Schmidt; Christine Timko; Jennifer L Burden; Alex H S Harris Journal: J Stud Alcohol Drugs Date: 2018-11 Impact factor: 2.582
Authors: Angela Christina Busch; Meenakshi Denduluri; Joseph Glass; Scott Hetzel; Shalu P Gugnani; Michele Gassman; Dean Krahn; Brienna Deyo; Randall Brown Journal: Alcohol Clin Exp Res Date: 2017-06-12 Impact factor: 3.455