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In recent years, there has been an emphasis
on the use of research evidence and, when clear-cut
evidence is unavailable, expert opinion to develop
ideal models of health care. The use of practice
guidelines or consensus statements to guide treatment
is an evidence-based approach. Guidelines typically
present comprehensive models of care, which provide
detailed guidance regarding the treatment of a
particular disorder and/or the use of a particular
type of treatment.
Because of their comprehensiveness,
certain recommendations included in the guidelines
may be based on the consensus of experts regarding
the aspects of treatment that research finds inconsistent
or unavailable. Over the last 5 years, a number
of practice guidelines addressing substance abuse
treatment have been issued, which include:
Other reports that relate to co-occurring mental
disorders also need to be considered by treatment
staff.
Treatment programs may choose to adopt any and
all of these practice guidelines. In the event
that a program wishes to monitor adherence to
the guidelines after implementation, these audit
tools can be used:
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