Client satisfaction with substance abuse treatment. Baseline results from the IQMS study conducted in seven counselling centres

Summary

Objectives:

Our study was carried out to evaluate client satisfaction with substance abuse treatment before introducing a quality management (QM) program.

Methods:

Between October and November 2004 a complete sample of 247 substance abusers completed a self-administered questionnaire in seven counselling centres in Baden- Württemberg (Germany). Routine data from the counselling centres were also included. Analyses were conducted by using chi²-tests, logistic regression models adjusted for covariates and t-tests for paired samples.

Results:

Our results suggested a high client satisfaction with counselling and highly rated positive effects of counselling. The satisfaction with the treatment in hospitals for substance abuse was significantly lower. Patients felt that there was lack of appropriate information in hospitals. There seems to be room for improvement particularly in the cooperation between General Practitioners and counselling centres as well as between hospitals for substance abuse and aftercare institutions.

Conclusions:

To increase the quality of care for addicts particularly the exchange of information and the transfer of patients between different institutions involved in care should be improved.