Carolyn Lichtenstein, PhD¹, Namratha Swamy, PhD¹, Arlene Stanton, PhD², and Brian T. Yates, PhD³. (1) Northrop Grumman Information Technology, 1700 Research Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850-3142, (301) 294-5471, carolyn.lichtenstein@ngc.com, (2) Center Substance Abuse Treatment, 5515 Security Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, (3) Dept. of Psychology, American University, 4400 Mass. Ave., N.W., American University, Washington, DC 20016-8062

In May 2001, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration established a new system of opioid treatment program (OTP) regulation that relies on accreditation by independent organizations. To assess the processes and costs associated with achieving and maintaining accreditation, and to provide input into how the process might be improved, SAMHSA is implementing the OTP Accreditation Evaluation (OTP AE), with assistance from Northrop Grumman Information Technology. The OTP AE involves a survey study of approximately 1,100 OTPs that is intended to elicit information about the resources used by programs to prepare for accreditation and undergo the accreditation survey; services provided by OTPs, and the costs of providing these services; and staff perceptions of the accreditation process. This data will be supplemented by more detailed information obtained from an in-depth study of a sample of 50 OTPs. Data collected from this sample will contribute patients’ and community members’ perspectives and enable the validation of critical self-report data from the questionnaires completed by all OTPs. The data collection methods used in the in-depth study include: interviews with patients, staff, and community organization representatives; chart abstractions; and staff activity tracking. This presentation describes the evaluation’s goals and design. The session will provide preliminary findings and will discuss efforts to ensure a representative OTP sample and other data collection challenges.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

(
• describe the goals of the OTP AE and (
• identify the methodological issues and challenges involved in conducting a study of these issues.

Keywords: Evaluation, Methadone Maintenance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.