New AOD framework
The newly launched Queensland Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment and Harm Reduction Outcomes Framework (THROF) has been developed over the last four years by the Queensland Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector network, whose membership includes the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
Indicators and outcomes
The THROF provides a foundation for AOD treatment services to demonstrate they provide effective, evidence-based responses to reduce AOD-related harm, and increase health and wellbeing. It outlines a range of outcome indicators at an individual, service and system level and includes universal and treatment type specific indicators. The framework also suggests ways that organisations can measure each of these elements.
Guiding positive results
Rebecca Lang, CEO of Queensland Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies (QNADA), says the strength of the framework is that it was developed in collaboration with the sector to provide guidance around what constitutes a positive outcome.
“Our main goal is to support service providers to implement the framework. We are keen to understand if the THROF works in practice and if the indicators for measuring outcomes are useful,” Rebecca said.
Measuring overall impact
“Often we think of a positive outcome as being that people get better. But we know that there are lots of factors which impact on this, so it’s about measuring the overall impact.
“We will look beyond the client accessing the service, and seek to understand what other indicators are important including access to supervision, the number of services available and how far people have to travel to access those services.”
Implementation
The Queensland AOD Sector Network will be supporting implementation of the THROF, including collaborating with services to develop processes to measure system level indicators and promote the use of the THROF.
More information
For more information, contact Sean Popovic at QNADA on (07) 3023 5050 or email sean.popovich@qnada.org.au.
