The analysis of an inpatient adolescent substance abuse program : an evaluative approach

Outcome studies can provide very useful and practical information for any treatment program. Evaluation of almost any aspect of a treatment program ultimately requires examination of treatment success. The system presented here is not offered as a major innovation in outcome research but as an approach which: 1) can be easily implemented, 2) addresses the major falws of past outcome research, 3) provides a means of obtaining fairly accurate and collaborated information, 4) can be used on an ongoing basis, and 5) provides direct as well as derived clinical and administrative benefits. This system utilizes a multidimensional approach to determine program effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and recidivism. The findings have provided many insights and useful information for program personnel and thus far have been more than satisfactory toward the long-term objective of perfecting a system of outcome evaluation.