Volume 47 | Number 3pt1 | June 2012

Abstract List

Dail Fields, Paul M. Roman, Terry C. Blum Ph.D.


Objective

To examine the relationships among general management systems, patient‐focused quality management/continuous process improvement (/) processes, resource availability, and multiple dimensions of substance use disorder () treatment.


Data Sources/Study Setting

Data are from a nationally representative sample of 221 treatment centers through the ational reatment enter tudy ().


Study Design

The design was a cross‐sectional field study using latent variable structural equation models. The key variables are management practices, /continuous quality improvement () practices, resource availability, and treatment center performance.


Data Collection

Interviews and questionnaires provided data from treatment center administrative directors and clinical directors in 2007–2008.


Principal Findings

Patient‐focused / practices fully mediated the relationship between internal management practices and performance. The effects of / on performance are significantly larger for treatment centers with higher levels of staff per patient.


Conclusions

Internal management practices may create a setting that supports implementation of specific patient‐focused practices and protocols inherent to / processes. However, the positive effects of internal management practices on treatment center performance occur through use of specific patient‐focused / practices and have more impact when greater amounts of supporting resources are present.