NAATP launches comprehensive outcomes study

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) has launched its anticipated  national data study to track patient outcomes from residential and outpatient addiction treatment programs. Seven large member organizations will collect a data sample across 1,000 patients, following outcomes from baseline through one year after discharge.

Outcome influences will be measured including:

• Detoxification process;
• Patient engagement;
• Medication;
• Psychological and psychiatric care;
• Education and addiction counseling received;
• Peer and family support, economics; and
• 12-Step activity.

 One goal will be to collect data that is more nuanced than just a yes-or-no question about abstinence and ultimately to publish findings in a peer reviewed journal. An initial draft of the study is expected in the second quarter of 2017.

The data will also inform the creation of a replication protocol that will be made available for NAATP member providers to use in their treatment centers.

“The industry needs this type of scientific research in order to raise our quality of services and to show the world that what we do works,” Jessica Swan, NCACII, CACIII, outcomes and surveys manager for NAATP, tells Behavioral Healthcare. “While there is much research work being done within the public sector, we rarely see this type of multi-center data collection done with the scientific rigor required for publication within the private addiction treatment world. We look forward to seeing what the data reveals and providing benchmarks for our industry.”

NAATP Executive Director Marvin Ventrell says the industry lacks information like this, and the study will aim to demonstrate in a transparent, rigorous way that treatment works. It’s also part of a bigger refresh for NAATP.

The organization is working with an outside branding firm to redesign the logo and work through the exercise of defining its place in the market. The logo and the three-year plan will be unveiled at the NAATP National Leadership Conference in May 2016.

The treatment center participants include: 

Addiction Recovery Resources 

Caron Foundation 

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation 

New Directions for Women

Seabrook House

Sundown M Ranch

Tully Hill