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>>Workforce Survey Results
To view the results of the recent ATTC-NE
Workforce Survey initiative, please click on the following link:
Workforce Survey
Results
>>Workforce Development Initiative
The Addiction Technology Transfer Center of New England (ATTC-NE)
in collaboration with the New England Institute of Addiction Studies
(NEIAS), is seeking to enhance the existing substance abuse treatment
delivery systems through the development of sustainable, and efficacious
strategies to address workforce demands.
To date, there is marginal information available regarding the
substance abuse treatment workforce in general. Information, concerning
the staffing patterns of community-based treatment programs, is
particularly lacking. Much concern has been expressed over difficulties
in recruitment and retention of substance abuse treatment program
personnel that are ethnically and culturally diverse and sensitive
to the cultural concerns of different client groups and who possess
the necessary skill level to provide treatment to a complex patient
population. Adding to this is the decreased number of professionals
and paraprofessionals entering in to the field and the increasing
demands to comply with prescribed certification and licensure requirements
to qualify for third party reimbursement. This seriously compromises
the quality and stability of treatment services being delivered.
Unless the substance abuse treatment profession retools its workforce,
the needs of the changing client population will not be adequately
met. However, before we can develop strategies to reverse this trend,
we must assess the situation and address the issues, involving all
key stakeholders in the discussion.
In a preliminary analysis of workforce supply and demand, the ATTC-NE,
and staff and contractors associated with the New England State
Alcohol and Drug Agencies have concluded that the substance abuse
treatment system is facing a workforce shortage. The following issues
were identified as contributors to this workforce shortage: increasing
demands for access to services leading to the need for a larger
workforce; lack of pay parity between professionals and paraprofessionals;
difficulty meeting prescribed academic, continuing education, certification
and/or licensure requirements to qualify for third party reimbursement;
and the retirement or early departure of significant numbers of
individuals from the treatment field.
With these issues at the forefront, focus is placed on the vexingly
difficult question: For state systems, what is the most cost-effective,
sustainable, and efficacious strategy for building the level of
human capacity needed for individuals to address the complexity
of social demands and provide appropriate care for clients? To address
this question, a survey examining the current state of the workforce
must be conducted. In addition, an overall evaluation that documents
the changes occurring in the substance abuse treatment system is
warranted.
The ATTC-NE/NEIAS will initiate a series of focus groups to assist
in the preparation of a systematic assessment of the workforce.
Following the focus groups, a formal survey of the workforce will
be conducted that reflects specific workforce-related issues within
the New England region.
An analysis of the data will be conducted, and a summary of the
findings will be published and disseminated. Following, a second
series of meetings will be held to discuss the implications of the
findings and to development a strategic plan to address: workforce
management; academic, professional development, and continuing educational
programming; and workforce recruitment and retention strategies.
In addition, policy recommendations and an action plan will be
developed that fosters collaboration between public and private
sectors and supports workforce development. This will be accomplished
by influencing and sponsoring training activities in the region
and through the provision of technical assistance to state systems
as well as local organizations.
Emerging Treatment
Options
Buprenorphine was approved in 2003, as an “Office-Based” treatment
for opioid addiction; including narcotic painkillers and heroin.
This was the first medication made available in a physician's office
for treating addiction to. Methadone, the other drug used to treat
opioid addiction, is generally available only at methadone clinics.
Instead of going to a clinic every day for methadone, patients can
get a Buprenorphine prescription filled at their local pharmacy and
allow the small, six-sided orange pills, to dissolve under their
tongues in privacy.
Buprenorphine has been an important addition to the field of
addiction treatment, as growing numbers of Americans have become
addicted to opiates. As the casualties of addiction have changed,
so have the options of addiction treatment.
For an interesting and recent article on Buprenorphine, please visit
the following web site:
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20060124072709990017&cid=1976
Treating
Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine abuse and dependence has been identified as a burgeoning epidemic; with many victims and few treatment options. Clinicians, who hope to decrease the growing menace of this significant social threat, must arm themselves with the most effective and well researched strategies; in order to improve treatment outcomes for meth addicts. A brief summary of recent treatment advances, and referrals for additional information are available
by clicking on the following link:
http://www.attc-ne.org/initiatives/TxMethAdd.pdf
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