Outcome measurement is essential for young people accessing alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in Australia. The NSW Ministry of Health commissioned a review to identify important outcome domains and validated tools for measuring these outcomes in youth under 18. The review identified 12 key outcome domains, including alcohol and drug use, mental health, family relationships, education, and social networks. A total of 47 outcome tools were found, but many were not designed specifically for young people, and few have been validated for this population in AOD treatment settings. The ASC T-ASI, Ohio scales, and Teen Star were highlighted as particularly relevant tools for measuring multiple domains.
While these tools generally show good validity and reliability, many require adaptation to better fit young people’s needs, and young people themselves have not been sufficiently involved in their development. The review recommends integrating validated tools into clinical data systems, adjusting the Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) to improve its relevance for youth, and conducting further research to test these tools in diverse treatment settings. There is also a need for culturally specific tools for Indigenous populations.

Citation

Van de Ven K, Stainthorpe S, Cash R, Ross P, Davies A, Lee N. Key domains for youth outcome measurement in alcohol and other drug treatment: an evidence check rapid review brokered by the Sax Institute (www.saxinstitute.org.au) for NSW Ministry of Health, July 2024.

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