Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) During and After Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study in Belgium

This prospective multicenter cohort study examined changes in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) among 161 men and women entering residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in Belgium and explored how treatment setting and sociodemographic factors influence outcomes. PROMs were assessed at baseline and after 45, 90, and 180 days using the PROMIS-GH (general health), WHOQoL-BREF (quality of life), and SURE-NL (recovery). Linear mixed models showed significant improvements in mental and physical health, and in all quality of life (QoL) domains except for social relationships. Psychological and physical health improvements plateaued, while perceived QoL and environmental domains improved linearly. Males scored higher in psychological health whereas treatment modalities differed in psychological health and social relationships. Recovery scores remained consistently high, possibly due to ceiling effects, underscoring the importance of the timing and context of PROM assessment. Integrating PROMs into routine care has the potential to support patient-centered practices and enhance treatment outcomes in SUD services.