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. 2012;25(7):604-17.
doi: 10.1108/09526861211261208.

Employing continuous quality improvement in community-based substance abuse programs

Matthew Chinman  1 , Sarah B Hunter, Patricia Ebener
Affiliations

Employing continuous quality improvement in community-based substance abuse programs

Matthew Chinman et al. Int J Health Care Qual Assur. 2012.

Abstract

Purpose: This article aims to describe continuous quality improvement (CQI) for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in a community-based organization setting.

Design/methodology/approach: CQI (e.g., plan-do-study-act cycles (PDSA)) applied in healthcare and industry was adapted for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs in a community setting. The authors assessed the resources needed, acceptability and CQI feasibility for ten programs by evaluating CQI training workshops with program staff and a series of three qualitative interviews over a nine-month implementation period with program participants. The CQI activities, PDSA cycle progress, effort, enthusiasm, benefits and challenges were examined.

Findings: Results indicated that CQI was feasible and acceptable for community-based substance abuse prevention and treatment programs; however, some notable resource challenges remain. Future studies should examine CQI impact on service quality and intended program outcomes.

Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted on a small number of programs. It did not assess CQI impact on service quality and intended program outcomes. Practical implications- This project shows that it is feasible to adapt CQI techniques and processes for community-based programs substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. These techniques may help community-based program managers to improve service quality and achieve program outcomes.

Originality/value: This is one of the first studies to adapt traditional CQI techniques for community-based settings delivering substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study timeline
Figure 2
Figure 2
CQI actions reaching each PDSA step
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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