Optimizing addiction screening and assessment tools to improve treatment
In this study, researchers are working with patients in the Addiction Medicine Program at Homewood Health Centre to explore how screening and assessment tools can be optimized to improve treatment planning and reduce the risk of early drop-out from treatment.
Existing screening and assessment tools often use scoring developed in non-addiction settings. The creation of tools that use addiction-specific values holds great promise for enhancing treatment planning and delivery. The optimization of screening tools will also help to identify patients who are at high risk of leaving treatment early. In these instances, clinicians can develop new approaches to encourage patients to complete treatment, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
Research Team: Dr. James MacKillop (McMaster University, HRI), Dr. Sabrian Syan (McMaster University), Emily Levitt (McMaster University)