Measuring PROMs and PREMs in substance use treatment for improving outcomes and quality of services

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROM) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREM) are important sources of information for improving quality of care and developing patient-centered treatment and monitoring. Outcome studies of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment traditionally focuses on drug use and deficits in functioning, overlooking other aspects of human functioning and the  personal and non-linear process of recovery.

The OMER-BE study (Outcome Measurement and Evaluation as a Routine practice in alcohol and other drug services in Belgium has been set up as a naturalistic multicentric study assessing and monitoring 200 service users in alcohol and drug treatment services at baseline and 45, 90 and 180 days later. The ICHOM Standard Set for Addictions (2020) is used to measure PROMs and PREMs, a set of brief, validated questionnaires to measure and monitor treatment outcomes routinely.

Preliminary findings show significant improvements in quality of life and several recovery indices 90 days after starting treatment. Other outcome indicators (e.g. employment, social connections) remained rather stable over the 3 month follow-up period. Service users are generally very satisfied with services received, but are less satisfied with the privacy they get and opportunities for individual counselling.

While still ongoing, the OMER-BE study shows that it is feasible to routinely monitor PROMs and PREMs in alcohol and drug services and by doing so, monitoring and supporting the recovery process of individuals with alcohol and drug problems.