OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS IN A VA AMBULATORY DETOXIFICATION PROGRAM

Objective: The study examined outcomes of patients enrolled in a Veter ans Affairs ambulatory detoxification program. Methods: Descriptive st atistical data were collected by routine clerical processes at a VA me dical center. Patients' outcomes were operationally defined to include completion of the detoxification program, dropout or discharge, or re -enrollment in the program; admission to inpatient detoxification; and referral to, entry into, and completion of substance abuse rehabilita tion after detoxification. Outcomes were determined for 517 of the 577 patients consecutively referred to the program during nine months in 1995. Patients met established criteria for mild to moderate alcohol w ithdrawal syndrome. Results: Of the 517 patients, 453 successfully com pleted outpatient detoxification. Twenty patients dropped out, 19 were discharged, 37 re-enrolled, and 25 were admitted for inpatient detoxi fication. Of the 453 patients who completed outpatient detoxification, 434 were referred for further treatment; 415 entered and 322 complete d the next treatment phase. Conclusions: The completion rate for patie nts in the outpatient detoxification program and rates for continuing and completing further treatment were higher than in previous studies. Measures of poor short-term outcome (dropout, re-enrollment, and admi ssion to inpatient detoxification) also compared favorably with previo us studies. Unique factors contributing to outcomes included systemati c screening, medical protocols for detoxification, psychosocial therap ies, program-supported housing, and attention to patient satisfaction.