Tuesday 01 April 2008, 12:00AM
PEARLS 52, April 2008, written by Brian R
McAvoy
Clinical question
Is case management helpful for people with substance abuse
disorders?
Bottom line
Compared with treatment as usual or other variable treatment
options, such as psycho-education or brief interventions, case
management can enhance linkage with other community and treatment
services.The use of a manual to guide the delivery of case
management seemed to increase linkage.
Caveat
The extent of linkage varied significantly between studies. There
was no conclusive evidence case management improved other outcomes,
such as reducing drug use. One study was conducted in Europe; the
other studies were conducted in North America.
Context
Case management is a client-centred strategy involving assessment,
planning, linking to relevant services and community resources, and
advocacy. The intent is to improve the coordination and continuity
of delivery of services.
Cochrane Systematic Review
Hesse M et al. Case management for persons with substance abuse
disorders. Cochrane Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Article No. CD006265.
DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD006265.pub2. Note: The review contains 15
studies involving 2391 participants.