Integration of Patient-reported Outcomes Assessment Into Routine Care for Patients Receiving Residential Treatment for Alcohol and/or Substance Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND: More than 3 million individuals receive treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and/or substance use disorder each year, yet there exists no standardized method for measuring patient success in treatment. Quantifying a more comprehensive assessment of treatment outcomes could identify the relative efficacy of different treatment strategies for individuals with AUD/substance use disorders, and help patients to identify, in advance, appropriate treatment options.
METHODS: This study developed and embedded patient-reported outcome measures into the routine clinical operations of a residential treatment program. Surveys assessed demographics, drug use history, physical and mental health, and quality of life. Outcomes were assessed among participants at admission (n = 961) and in patients who completed the survey at time of discharge (n = 633).
RESULTS: Past 30-day alcohol and/or opioid use at admission were correlated with worse self-reported physical and mental health, sleep, and quality of life, and greater negative affect and craving ( P s < 0.05). Previous history of treatment and/or withdrawal management were associated with worse self-reported physical and mental health, quality of life, and increased craving ( P s < 0.05). Physical and mental health improved across timepoints and was most pronounced when comparing persons receiving treatment for opioid use disorder versus AUD, wherein persons with opioid use disorder had worse physical health at all time points, and greater sleep disturbance and negative affect at discharge ( P s < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to embed patient outcome monitoring into routine clinic operations, which could be used in the future to tailor treatment plans.