For information about the first phase of this project please see eenet.ca/dtfp/best-practice-assessment-procedures-project.
Project description/objectives
- The Best Practice Screening and Assessment Project gathered the best available evidence and feedback from key stakeholders to develop and pilot test an evidence-based and standardized staged screening and assessment process for LHIN-funded substance use services in Ontario.
- This staged process helps identify both substance use and mental health issues among clients seeking substance use services, increasing appropriate referrals and helping in treatment planning.
- Based on the evidence and stakeholder feedback, the project’s Advisory Committee recommended that the protocol and tools be rolled out across Ontario.
Project Objectives
- Improve the screening and assessment of clients receiving substance use services through the implementation of a staged process across Ontario.
- Implementation that will include, coaching, fidelity monitoring, evaluation and sustainability planning.
Value for the System
- More consistent, evidence-based approach to service.
- Enhanced ability to identify and assess co-occurring mental health issues.
- Comprehensive assessment and detailed, integrated reports support matching to a treatment setting with appropriate resource intensity.
- Detailed client profiles based on information generated through assessment can be used for gap analysis and planning at the agency and Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) level.
- High potential for outcome monitoring.
Supported Implementation
This evidence-based staged screening and assessment process is being rolled out across Ontario using implementation science, a purposeful and effective framework for implementing new practices. The implementation process will include:
- Development of LHIN-specific implementation plans.
- Training and capacity building for the new process.
- Coaching support for agency implementation.
- Opportunity to provide feedback on the implementation and related supports through participation on LHIN and/or agency implementation teams, contributing to evaluation.
This project is made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada. © 2015 EENet.
Project lead
Kim Baker, Implementation Supervisor, Provincial Systems Support Program, CAMH
For more information contact Angela Martella, Implementation Coordinator, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. aAngela [dot] Martella [at] camh [dot] ca or 416 535 8501 ext. 32951