Quality initiatives in the alcohol and other drug treatment sector

Abstract

Quality improvement has recently become a key focus of the alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment sector through initiatives such as accreditation, workforce development and the adoption of an evidence-based practice approach. While this attention on quality improvement is viewed as a much-needed change, a number of barriers to successful implementation of quality initiatives within the AOD sector exist. This paper discusses these issues, drawing from the research evidence and a case example examining accreditation and workforce development in the AOD sector in Victoria, Australia. The paper concludes that the recent focus on quality improvement within the AOD sector is a very desirable direction, but quality initiatives must be supported by an appropriate level of funding if they are to lead to improved outcomes for service users.