The Role of Patient Satisfaction in Methadone Treatment

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction surveys, widely used in health care delivery systems, may provide useful data for improving patient retention and outcomes. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between methadone patients' treatment satisfaction at three months post-admission and their 3-month treatment outcomes and 12-month treatment retention. METHODS: New methadone treatment admissions (N = 283) were assessed at 3 months post-admission for satisfaction with their counselors and programs. Correlations examined the relationship between 3-month satisfaction and Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores. Regression analysis assessed the relationship between satisfaction and drug testing at 3 months and was used to predict whether participants were retained in treatment at 12 months. RESULTS: Participants who were more satisfied with their counselors and programs had lower Drug and Legal ASI composite scores at 3 months. Participants who were more satisfied with their programs remained in treatment for at least 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment programs should consider administering the CEF to their patients at 3 months post-admission to identify patients with low satisfaction scores who may be at risk for prematurely leaving treatment. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Measuring patient satisfaction during treatment may help programs meet patients' needs and improve retention.