The value of clinical case management in a methadone maintenance treatment program

Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2012 Jan;38(1):70-2. doi: 10.3109/00952990.2011.600391. Epub 2011 Aug 8.

Abstract

Background/objective: This study sought to determine whether case management was positively associated with improved outcomes and treatment compliance in those enrolled in a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program.

Methods: An intervention group (n = 396) received case management while the other group (n = 1308) did not. Total N = 1704.

Results: Statistically significant reductions were seen in the intervention group, in the proportion of urine samples positive for drugs of abuse (relative risk reduction = -15.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): -17.7, -13.1)), missed daily methadone doses (-1.9% (95% CI: -2.4, -1.4)), and missed physician appointments (-40.1% (95% CI: -43.7, -36.3)). CONCLUSIONS/SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Case management appears to be a very valuable tool in MMT programs.

MeSH terms

  • Case Management*
  • Heroin Dependence / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Methadone / therapeutic use*
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment*
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Substance Abuse Detection
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Methadone