Placement matching of alcohol-dependent patients based on a standardized intake assessment: Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Despite considerable research on substance-abuse placement matching, evidence is still inconclusive.The aims of this exploratory trial are to evaluate (a) the effects of following matching guidelines on health-carecosts and heavy drinking, and (b) factors affecting the implementation of matching guidelines in the treatment ofalcohol-dependent patients.Methods: A total of 286 alcohol-dependent patients entering one of four participating detoxification units andhaving no arrangements for further treatment will be recruited. During the first week of treatment, all patientswill be administered Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluation (MATE), European Quality ofLife-Five Dimensions health status questionnaire (EQ-5D), and the Client Socio-Demographic and Service ReceiptInventory-European Version (CSSRI-EU). Patients who are randomly allocated to the intervention group willreceive feedback regarding their assessment results, including clear recommendations for subsequent treatment.Patients of the control group will receive treatment as usual and, if requested, global feedback regarding theirassessment results, but no recommendations for subsequent treatment. At discharge, treatment outcome andreferral decisions will be recorded. Six months after discharge, patients will be administered MATE-Outcome,EQ-5D, and CSSRI-EU during a telephone interview.Discussion: This trial will provide evidence on the effects and costs of using placement-matching guidelinesbased on a standardized assessment with structured feedback in the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients.A process evaluation will be conducted to facilitate better understanding of the relationship between the useof guidelines, outcomes, and potential mediating variables.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00005035. Registered 03 June 2013.