The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47471

Henrick Harwood and Ansari Ameen. The Lewin Group, 3130 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 800, Falls Church, VA 22042

An analysis of relative referral success for residential treatment providers in the state of Oklahoma

This analysis compares the performance of Oklahoma’s residential substance abuse treatment providers based on their success in referring discharged clients to a lower level of care. Preliminary analyses reveal that several factors affect successful referral, some of which are beyond the control of the provider (e.g., provider case-mix). Consequently, it is essential to employ case-mix adjustment techniques to adjust for differences in client mix that might affect referral success. We use logistic regression to estimate case-mix adjusted rates of successful referral. Performance is measured by the proportion of a provider's clients referred to a less intensive modality of care within 30 days of completion of residential treatment. Results from this analysis permit us to compare the unadjusted provider referral success rates with the expected referral success rates after adjusting for client case mix and other factors. A variety of client demographic and severity measures are used in the models in addition to provider characteristics and management strategies. This study provides important information on one measure of provider performance and contributes to the growing literature available to States to develop and refine their Outcome Monitoring Systems.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Understand the importance of using case-mix adjustment methods when comparing the performance of providers;
• Identify the major factors that should be accounted for in performance measurement analyses; and
• Recognize the programmatic and policy implications of performance measurement research.

Keywords: Drug Abuse Treatment, Outcomes Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The State of Oklahoma
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Contract