Publication
Title
Practitioners' attitudes concerning evidence-based guidelines in Belgian substance abuse treatment
Author
Abstract
Background/Aim: Evidence-based guidelines for substance abuse treatment are available in many European countries. In Belgium, no such guidelines have been developed yet at a national level although their need has repeatedly been emphasized. This study aims to assess Belgian practitioners attitudes concerning evidence-based guidelines for substance abuse treatment. Methods: A survey was conducted with clinical coordinators in a representative sample of 60 agencies dispensing specialized treatment to alcohol and drug abusers. Results: The study revealed that evidence-based guidelines are rarely used in substance abuse treatment in Belgium, but that many agencies use self-developed guidelines. The attitude concerning evidence-based guidelines is mainly positive. Practitioners concerns mostly relate to the risk of disregarding their clients needs and the constraining character of using evidence-based guidelines. The study also reveals some barriers concerning the implementation of evidence-based guidelines and suggests some strategies to overcome them. Conclusion: Practitioners appear to be prepared to work with evidence-based guidelines. When developing, adapting and implementing evidence-based guidelines for substance abuse treatment, it is important for policy makers to take into account the state of the art in clinical practice as well as practitioners needs and requirements.
Language
English
Source (journal)
European addiction research. - Basel
Publication
Basel : 2009
ISSN
1022-6877
DOI
10.1159/000173009
Volume/pages
15 :1 (2009) , p. 47-55
ISI
000261830100007
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 07.04.2009
Last edited 25.05.2022
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