Problems in the Evaluation of Treatment Programs for Drunk Drivers: Goals and Outcomes

1992 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jody L. Fitzpatrick

Measures used in evaluating drunk driving treatment programs over the last 15 years are reviewed and critiqued in terms of construct validity. The concept of triangulation with increased use of self-report and collateral measures is recommended over the current reliance on the single outcome measure of rearrest. Greater attention to collecting data on processes and intermediate outcomes is also recommended to provide information for program improvement, dissemination, and identification of effective treatment models. Ambiguity concerning program goals and directions is cited as another related problem area which has led to unintended differences in program philosophies and methods.

1984 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Godfrey Frankel ◽  
Diana H. Gonzalez

This study of drug abuse counselors indicates that superior counselors are likely to be actively involved in programing on behalf of their clients. However, the findings show important differences in issues they raise and issues clients raise in counseling sessions. The study, conducted in 1981 made use of self-report data obtained from forty-five counselors drawn from twenty-nine treatment programs in eleven States. To obtain the sample of counselors judged superior, eleven single State agencies (SSAs) identified drug treatment programs in their States having the best counseling services. Administrators of programs identified the counselors in their programs who were considered superior according to a set of criteria. Telephone interviews were used to collect data from the forty-five counselors who participated in the study.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris Geyer ◽  
David Alexander Ellis ◽  
Heather Shaw ◽  
Brittany I Davidson

Psychological science has spent many years attempting to understand the impact of new technology on people and society. However, the frequent use of self-report methods to quantify patterns of usage struggle to capture subtle nuances of human-computer interaction. This has become particularly problematic for devices like smartphones that are used frequently and for a variety of purposes. While commercial apps can provide an element of objectivity, these are ‘closed’ and cannot be adapted to deliver a researcher-focused ‘open’ platform that allows for straightforward replication. Therefore, we have developed a freely available android app, which provides accurate, highly detailed, and customisable accounts of smartphone usage without compromising participants privacy. Further recommendations and code are provided in order to assist with data analysis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannes Zacher ◽  
Heiko Schulz

Purpose – In many countries, both the number of older people in need of care and the number of employed caregivers of elderly relatives will increase over the next decades. The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which perceived organizational, supervisor, and coworker support for eldercare reduce employed caregivers’ strain and weaken the relationship between eldercare demands and strain. Design/methodology/approach – Survey data were collected from 100 employed caregivers from one organization. Findings – Results showed that eldercare demands were positively related to strain, and perceived organizational eldercare support (POES) was negatively related to strain. In addition, high POES weakened the relationship between eldercare demands and strain. Research limitations/implications – The cross-sectional design and use of self-report scales constitute limitations of the study. Practical implications – POES is a resource for employed caregivers, especially when their eldercare demands are high. Originality/value – This research highlights the relative importance of different forms of perceived support for reducing employed caregivers’ strain and weakening the relationship between eldercare demands and strain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 809-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda Anderson ◽  
Varsha Rallapalli ◽  
Tim Schoof ◽  
Pamela Souza ◽  
Kathryn Arehart

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit U. Stetina ◽  
Christine Krouzecky ◽  
Lisa Emmett ◽  
Armin Klaps ◽  
Nora Ruck ◽  
...  

With the growth of female inmates worldwide, research regarding specific treatment of these has become more important. Although new programs have been started, the lack of scientific results is startling. The goal of the current study was to identify differences between participants from the men’s and women’s section in a specialized prison for criminal offenders suffering from substance dependence syndrome regarding the effects of dog-assisted group therapy. Therefore, 81 incarcerated participants (50 male, 31 female) took part in a dog-assisted group therapy targeting socio-emotional competencies. Self-report questionnaires to measure self-concept (SDQ-III), emotional status (EMI-B) and emotional competencies (SEE) were employed. Statistical analysis included General Linear Model (GLM) procedures and η2 as concurrent effect size measure. Results demonstrate that participants from the women’s ward tend to benefit significantly less from the dog-assisted group therapy in most measured areas than men, especially in terms of their emotional status (e.g., aggressiveness) and emotional competencies (e.g., emotion regulation). Treatment programs specific to the needs of women might be a future challenge for practitioners and researchers in AAT.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1045-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fliss EM Murtagh ◽  
Christina Ramsenthaler ◽  
Alice Firth ◽  
Esther I Groeneveld ◽  
Natasha Lovell ◽  
...  

Background: Few measures capture the complex symptoms and concerns of those receiving palliative care. Aim: To validate the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale, a measure underpinned by extensive psychometric development, by evaluating its validity, reliability and responsiveness to change. Design: Concurrent, cross-cultural validation study of the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale – both (1) patient self-report and (2) staff proxy-report versions. We tested construct validity (factor analysis, known-group comparisons, and correlational analysis), reliability (internal consistency, agreement, and test–retest reliability), and responsiveness (through longitudinal evaluation of change). Setting/participants: In all, 376 adults receiving palliative care, and 161 clinicians, from a range of settings in the United Kingdom and Germany Results: We confirm a three-factor structure (Physical Symptoms, Emotional Symptoms and Communication/Practical Issues). Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale shows strong ability to distinguish between clinically relevant groups; total Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale and Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale subscale scores were higher – reflecting more problems – in those patients with ‘unstable’ or ‘deteriorating’ versus ‘stable’ Phase of Illness (F = 15.1, p < 0.001). Good convergent and discriminant validity to hypothesised items and subscales of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General is demonstrated. The Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale shows good internal consistency (α = 0.77) and acceptable to good test–retest reliability (60% of items kw > 0.60). Longitudinal validity in form of responsiveness to change is good. Conclusion: The Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale is a valid and reliable outcome measure, both in patient self-report and staff proxy-report versions. It can assess and monitor symptoms and concerns in advanced illness, determine the impact of healthcare interventions, and demonstrate quality of care. This represents a major step forward internationally for palliative care outcome measurement.


2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 478-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina G DeZeeuw ◽  
Nancy Dudek

Background: Comfort of an orthosis is an important characteristic that is likely to dictate use of and satisfaction with a device. However, instruments to assess only orthosis user comfort do not exist. The Prosthetic Socket Fit Comfort Score, developed previously for prosthesis users, may be adapted to serve this purpose. Objectives: This study’s purpose was to assess the validity and reliability of the Orthosis Comfort Score, a self-report instrument adapted from the Prosthetic Socket Fit Comfort Score. Study design: This is a prospective, observational study designed to establish initial evidence of validity and reliability for an outcome measure that assesses comfort. Methods: Ankle foot orthosis users completed the Orthosis Comfort Score and two validated patient satisfaction questionnaires. An orthotist documented an assessment of fit. Post-visit Orthosis Comfort Scores were documented after the appointment and 2–4 weeks later. Orthosis Comfort Scores were compared to the patient satisfaction questionnaires, assessment of fit and orthosis use (hours per week). Results: There were 46 study participants. Orthosis Comfort Scores had a moderate positive correlation with their orthotist’s assessment of fit, very strong positive correlations with patient satisfaction questionnaires and fair positive correlation with orthosis use (all correlations p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the Orthosis Comfort Score in ankle foot orthosis users. Clinical relevance The Orthosis Comfort Score is a simple patient-reported outcome measure that can be readily incorporated into clinical practice or research study to obtain a rapid assessment of comfort. It can be used to facilitate communication about device fit, evaluate comfort over time and/or assess changes in comfort with a new device.


2004 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Calsyn ◽  
Gary A. Morse ◽  
W. Dean Klinkenberg ◽  
Matthew R. Lemming

This study examined the relationship between outcomes and the working alliance in clients who were receiving assertive community treatment only or integrated assertive community treatment (assertive community treatment plus substance abuse treatment). All 98 participants had a severe mental illness and a substance use disorder. The Working Alliance Inventory assessed the alliance from the perspective of both the client and the case manager at 3 and 15 months into treatment. The six outcome measures were stable housing, client rating of psychiatric distress, interviewer rating of psychiatric symptoms, self-report of days used alcohol or drugs, and interviewer rating of substance use. Only 4 of 24 correlations were significant, indicating little relationship between the strength of the working alliance and client outcome.


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