Numbers and narratives. Relations between patient satisfaction, retention, outcome and program factors in outpatient substance abuse treatment

AIMS - Research on substance abuse treatment suggests patient satisfaction is linked to use of services and abstinence. However, patient perspectives on treatment are rarely examined. This study used mixed methods to examine correlations between patients' treatment satisfaction, retention and abstinence from drugs and provide a transpersonal account of patient perspectives on treatment. DATA AND METHODS - Eight Danish outpatient substance abuse treatment centres participated in the study. Data was collected from 186 patients. Quantitative measures were used at baseline screenings and at 6 months follow-up interviews, including the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). Qualitative measures were used for patient descriptions of treatment at follow-up. RESULTS - Patient satisfaction with treatment was linked to retention, abstinence and program differences. The qualitative data described patient's views on high or low treatment satisfaction. CONCLUSION - The CSQ-8 is a valuable tool for monitoring patient engagement and treatment effect in substance abuse treatment services. The inclusion of patient perspectives underlined the importance of a more contextual understanding of program components.