Development of a monitoring system for heroin-assisted substitution treatment in Switzerland

Abstract

Objectives
Switzerland introduced heroin-assisted treatment as a routine treatment for drug addicts. As a result the evaluation instruments were changed from a detailed scientific project to a routine monitoring system. The process for developing this monitoring system is described.
Methods
The questionnaires and assessment instruments were restyled with staff of the treatment agencies. Indicators measuring quality of treatment and measures from the future national statistic on the addiction support system were integrated into admission, course and discharge questionnaires. Currently a system for feedback to treatment agencies is being developed.
Results
All 21 treatment agencies are participating in the monitoring. Assessment quality is high.
Conclusions
The described monitoring should provide continuous delivery of basic relevant data on patients.