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| What Makes A Good Treatment Program? |
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Sally wasn't sure why she had gone out that night. She should have known better than to drive. Now she was scared. She had better do just what her lawyer said. The judge would decide, he said, depending on how well she followed through. So now she was here in the waiting room of a treatment center. She sure hoped none of her friends found out.
Jim looked around. There were some things about this place that reminded him of his last treatment center. Boy had those guys been on a trip! They were sure they knew just what he needed. The receptionist was smiling at him now, but what about when they found out all he'd done? Then they'd treat him differently.
Both of these people need help and will respond differently depending on how they are treated. A treatment facility that knows its "stuff" will know how to handle both of them skillfully. No matter what the treatment modality, some common elements are necessary. An open atmosphere, a straightforward approach to treatment, modeling health, accountability and teamwork are some of the essential elements of a good treatment center.
Here are some things that might make a difference to Sally and Jim:
Is the center welcoming, open and non-judgmental? The first and foremost goal in the initial contact should be reduction of the patient's anxiety, followed quickly by building his or her trust in the process. An affirmative first experience can make a big difference in later reactions. An atmosphere that encourages positive change and fosters trust is evident to everyone. Ask yourself: "Would I want one of my loved ones to go to this program?
Is the patient getting straightforward information? This is a key ingredient of addiction treatment. How much effort and resources have been applied to this vital area? The program is willing and able to meet the patients where they are. The use of patient placement criteria and skillful treatment planning support this effort. Clear instructions, preferably written, and simple orientation to the rules and responsibilities build trust and encourage compliance. Is the program taking advantage of adult learning techniques or providing the same old boring lectures?
Does the agency model good health? A treatment program can be a toxic environment and mimic the disease of addiction unclear information, indirect communication, magical thinking and personalities above principles are the signs of an agency that is unhealthy. Avoiding this trend takes consistent effort.
Is the center accountable? Appropriate patient information is communicated to both patients and referents. Treatment planning is a joint project between staff and patient. Compliance and non-compliance are clearly defined and communicated to appropriate persons. Using foresight, treatment compliance is reinforced both during and after treatment. Staff is well trained and credentialed. The program itself publishes and ascribes to standards such as those put forth in state regulation or national accreditation. Fiscal responsibility is expected on the part of the patients and the program.
Does the staff work as a team? In nearly all cases, patients and referents hear the same messages from all positions and levels of staff. Staff members model healthy behaviors. If questioned, staff members are able to tell you the mission of their organization. Information about their code of ethics is available. Staff function as patient advocates not enablers.
Is the program growing? One of the ways to continue to improve is to measure what kinds of outcomes they are achieving. They can give you specific information about what changes they are making in the lives of those they serve.
They are a member of an organization committed to the improvement of the addiction field. They contribute to that improvement with time, effort and/or money.
What are some of the ways programs can measure the results of their efforts? Ask patients. Do a survey. Ask staff. Listen without bias or reacting. Enlist the services of an outsider to evaluate the program. Referents can talk to the people they've referred. Visit the program. Ask questions of the treatment center staff. Consider how you feel when you interact with the program. We all know treatment works. We all know it can work better. Let's support that improvement with our honest feedback.
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About The Author:
Sherry Kimbrough has been providing consultation to behavioral health programs since 1990 and is Vice-President of Lanstat Incorporated. http://www.lanstat.com She holds an M.S. in Psychology and is certified by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. She is an international surveyor for CARF...the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. She has direct experience as an Executive Director, Clinical Supervisor and Program Manager in both inpatient and outpatient chemical dependency treatment agencies.
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