Systematic monitoring and feedback on data results as supportive tools for substance use disorder individuals

Background

Systematic monitoring and feedback on data results that provide information on cognitive and psychosocial status and changes is a promising tool in substance use treatment, but is not yet commonly used in treatment and follow-up services internationally.

Methods

In-depth interviews with 30 individuals with full recovery from substance use disorder were completed. Study participants shared information on participation in a 10 year, longitudinal, prospective follow-up study that use systematic monitoring and feedback on data results as part of the study`s methodology.

Results

Participants reported that systematic monitoring and feedback on data results were useful and interesting support tools, both in periods of using and not using substances, from baseline, and in all phases working toward full recovery from substance use disorder.

Conclusions

Systematic monitoring and feedback on data results provides significant amounts of low-cost data, was not percieved as too demanding to follow up by participants, and was descibed as useful and interesting tools in working toward full recovery from substance use disorder. Treatment, health-and social services could benefit from using systematic monitoring and feedback as supportive tools when working long-term with individuals that desire comprehensive life-changes. Ethical aspects of data results dissemination on individual and aggrevated levels should be discussed in substance use treatment and services internationally.