There was a time that programs considered it an invasion of client privacy to contact discharged clients to learn about outcomes.  Fortunately, that trend is changing. 

Critics of the therapeutic programs complain about lack of proof of effectiveness.  While we don't buy into all of the rhetoric from these critics, we do agree that proof of effectiveness is important.  Too much money is moving around not to have best evidence that the product is effective. 

Currently it is our understanding that NATSAP has created a system for  gathering and storing data to facilitate outcome research. 

Our criterion for Outcomes is that all programs should either participate in NATSAP's information gathering or develop their own outcome studies. There is some question as to whether or not  NATSAP will permit its data to be used for program  specific studies, but rather intends the data to be used for classes of programs only.  If that is correct, we see value in studies by class of facility, but we also think individual programs need to be accountable for delivering what they claim.

The NATSAP data gathering process for outcome studies is focused on the first year after discharge. We would like to see this expand to look at long term outcomes.

To be further developed

Last updated 4-11-08; Minor edits up to  8-29-08