Continuing care following residential alcohol and other drug treatment: Continuing care worker perceptions

Abstract

Introduction Little is known about the experiences of continuing care workers (CCW) in the implementation of continuing care programs. The current study sought to understand CCWs and supervisor perceptions of the successes and challenges of implementing a telephone‐based continuing care intervention following residential alcohol and other drug treatment services. It also aimed to provide recommendations for treatment providers wishing to integrate continuing care into their treatment model, including the resources, training and supervision needs of CCWs. Methods The participants were eight CCWs and two independent supervisors who completed semi‐structured interviews. Interview coding and analysis was guided by Iterative Categorisation procedures and an implementation framework. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used. Results Telephone delivery was advantageous, but even more enhanced, when there was a face‐to‐face session first to build rapport. Other key successes included CCWs who were confident and competent, as well as a match between the organisation's values and the philosophy of the continuing care program. Key challenges faced by CCWs related to a perceived lack of support from managers, difficulties accessing quiet office spaces and participant disengagement. Discussion and Conclusions Interviews revealed several factors that may influence successful delivery of continuing care as part of alcohol and other drug treatment. These included features of the intervention (e.g. telephone delivery, evidence‐based content), characteristics of the individual CCWs (e.g. flexibility in delivery of the intervention while maintaining fidelity), organisational culture (e.g. alignment of organisational values with continuing care) and resources (e.g. office space, flexible work schedules).

Feasibility and preliminary results of a call centre delivered continuing care intervention following residential alcohol and other drug treatment

“…This suggests that the face-to-face component of continuing care is important for participant engagement. A qualitative study has been published which echoes the need for some in-person contact between the participant and CCW [30]. This qualitative study examined the experience of CCWs in delivering telephone based continuing care.…”

“…This qualitative study examined the experience of CCWs in delivering telephone based continuing care. One key recommendation that emerged from interviews with the CCWs related to the inclusion of an initial face‐to‐face consultation in order to support the establishment of rapport and encourage early engagement [30].…”

Comparative study of three alcohol-related harm reduction programs: an ideal-type analysis

“…More generally, the scienti c literature insists that, to be effective and gain the support of users and professionals alike, interventions must be based on scienti c evidence, (Ingram et al, 2021;To ghi et al, 2016) since that increases their credibility and promotes consistency of practices and discourses. The aim is to draw on the results of scienti c research concerning the effectiveness of an intervention, and to mobilize this scienti c data with professionals and users alike, to attest to the legitimacy and relevance of the support offered.…”

“…(Swendeman et al, 2021) This ties in with the idea of setting objectives and co-constructing interventions with users, already mentioned in the literature. (Collins et al, 2012;Ingram et al, 2021). This article highlights the bene ts of an ideal type analysis for the evaluation of such complex interventions, aimed at people in situations of vulnerability with multiple facets and manifestations.…”