Alcohol and other drug specialist treatment services and their managers: findings from a national survey

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To examine the characteristics of alcohol and other drug (AOD) specialist treatment agencies, their workforce and workforce development issues. Methods: A national survey of AOD specialist treatment agency managers was conducted using the Clients of Treatment Service Agencies (COTSA) database as the sampling framework. Agency managers across Australia were surveyed by phone or electronically between April and October 2002. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Two hundred and thirty‐four managers participated, representing 318 agencies, and a response rate of 65%. More than 50% of managers from each State and Territory participated in the study. Results: The study found a high prevalence of alcohol‐related problems. Managers estimated 45% of clients nominated alcohol as their primary problematic drug and that 53% of poly‐drug clients identified alcohol‐related problems. Managers reported increasingly complex client needs such as co‐occurring substance and mental health issues. A harm minimisation treatment approach was supported by more than three‐quarters of AOD agencies. The majority of the AOD workforce were trained professionals and consisted of nurses (26%), general AOD workers (19%) and psychologists (9%). Approximately half the sample had been in their current managerial role for less than five years. Key workforce development issues identified were education and training, funding, and staff recruitment and retention. Conclusion: More information is required on the key characteristics of the AOD workforce and their workforce development needs. Such information can contribute to policies and strategies that develop the capacity of the AOD sector to manage and treat the increasingly complex needs of clients.