Bronwyn Myers1,2, Kim Johnson1, Warren Lucas1, Rajen Govender3,4, Ron Manderscheid5, Petal Petersen Williams1,2, J Randy Koch6. 1. Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. 3. Department of Sociology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. 4. Violence Injury and Peace Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa. 5. National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, Washington, USA. 6. Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and experience measures (PREM) for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment exist for adults but have unknown relevance for adolescents. This study aimed to explore adolescents' perceptions of effective SUD treatment and possible barriers to completing PROMs and PREMs to guide efforts to adapt the South African Addiction Treatment Services Assessment (SAATSA) for adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: Five focus groups were conducted with 38 adolescent service users recruited from residential and outpatient SUD treatment facilities in South Africa. Group discussions explored perceptions of treatment components necessary for desired SUD treatment outcomes, treatment experiences that support engagement in care, and perceptions of PROM and PREM completion. RESULTS: Participants viewed treatment elements that enhance motivation for change, coping and emotional regulation; provide recreational alternatives to substance use; and improve family relationships and home environments as critical to positive treatment outcomes. They reflected that provider characteristics and developmentally and culturally appropriate services facilitated engagement in treatment. PROM and PREM completion seemed acceptable, with participants suggesting ways to enhance their appeal. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Findings confirm that adult-oriented PROMs and PREMs require adaptation for adolescents. Service user inputs identified ways to expand the content of the SAATSA to better reflect adolescents' treatment priorities. These inputs have also guided changes to item formulation and administration procedures to enhance the SAATSA's acceptability for adolescents. Ensuring the SAATSA addresses treatment outcomes and experiences that matter to adolescents is vital for generating information to guide improvements to adolescent SUD services.
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and experience measures (PREM) for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment exist for adults but have unknown relevance for adolescents. This study aimed to explore adolescents' perceptions of effective SUD treatment and possible barriers to completing PROMs and PREMs to guide efforts to adapt the South African Addiction Treatment Services Assessment (SAATSA) for adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: Five focus groups were conducted with 38 adolescent service users recruited from residential and outpatient SUD treatment facilities in South Africa. Group discussions explored perceptions of treatment components necessary for desired SUD treatment outcomes, treatment experiences that support engagement in care, and perceptions of PROM and PREM completion. RESULTS:Participants viewed treatment elements that enhance motivation for change, coping and emotional regulation; provide recreational alternatives to substance use; and improve family relationships and home environments as critical to positive treatment outcomes. They reflected that provider characteristics and developmentally and culturally appropriate services facilitated engagement in treatment. PROM and PREM completion seemed acceptable, with participants suggesting ways to enhance their appeal. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Findings confirm that adult-oriented PROMs and PREMs require adaptation for adolescents. Service user inputs identified ways to expand the content of the SAATSA to better reflect adolescents' treatment priorities. These inputs have also guided changes to item formulation and administration procedures to enhance the SAATSA's acceptability for adolescents. Ensuring the SAATSA addresses treatment outcomes and experiences that matter to adolescents is vital for generating information to guide improvements to adolescent SUD services.