A tool for Analyzing Addiction Services in Spain: Health Atlas

Introduction/Objectives:

In Spain, the absence of a standardized national catalogue for addiction treatment services complicates the comprehension and comparison of offered services. This deficiency presents two primary challenges: first, the variability in terminology leads to services with different activities sharing the same name or, conversely, two services with similar activities having different names. Second, incommensurability arises from using distinct units of analysis in comparative research. To identify unmet needs and prevent care duplication, decision-makers must understand the actual provision of activities across services. The Atlas of Addiction in Spain aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the autonomous systems of addiction care.

Methodology:

The Addiction Atlas employs the international DESDE-LTC system (Description and Evaluation of Services and Directories for Long Term Care) to evaluate and describe social and health services. This study classified services into broad types of care groups, the least detailed level within the DESDE classification. Additionally, it utilizes a geographic information system to manage, analyse, and map geo-referenced information. The methodology incorporates demographic and addiction services statistics from the National Statistics Institute and its regional counterparts, as well as the Spanish Observatory on Drugs and Addictions. Officially registered addiction services are also part of the analysis.

Results:

The atlas examines the care context by studying geographical, demographic, and socio-economic factors in selected geographical areas. It offers a standardized assessment and description of addiction services in large care groups. Lastly, it analyses service provision and care patterns based on population and area.

Conclusions:

The Atlas of Addictions seeks to generate scientific evidence and knowledge on addiction care, providing information to support decision-makers and managers in the planning of addiction services in Spain.