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dc.contributor.authorWright, Cameron
dc.contributor.authorNorman, R.
dc.contributor.authorVarhol, R.
dc.contributor.authorDavis, J.
dc.contributor.authorWilson-Taylor, E.
dc.contributor.authorDorigo, J.
dc.contributor.authorRobinson, S.
dc.date.accessioned2018-08-08T04:43:05Z
dc.date.available2018-08-08T04:43:05Z
dc.date.created2018-08-08T03:50:58Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.identifier.citationWright, C. and Norman, R. and Varhol, R. and Davis, J. and Wilson-Taylor, E. and Dorigo, J. and Robinson, S. 2018. Exploring the costs and effectiveness of the Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network: a home-based alcohol and other drug withdrawal service. Australian Journal of Primary Health. 24 (5): pp. 385-390.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/69994
dc.identifier.doi10.1071/PY17110
dc.description.abstract

The Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network (DAWN) is a home-based withdrawal service based in Perth, Western Australia. Literature on outcomes, costs and client attitudes towards this type of home-based detoxification in Australia is sparse. Therefore, this study assessed these factors for clients enrolled over a 5-year period (July 2011-June 2016). Client experience was explored through semi-structured interviews with 10 clients. Over the study period, 1800 clients (54% male, mean age 38 years) were assessed, and there were 2045 episodes of care. Although most first-episode clients (52%) listed alcohol as the primary drug of concern, the proportion listing methamphetamine increased from 4% in 2011-12 to 23% in 2015-16. In 94% (n=639) of withdrawal detoxification episodes with completed surveys, clients used their 'drug of primary concern' most days or more often at baseline; this had reduced to 23% (n=149) at the conclusion of detoxification. Five-year direct costs were A$4.8million. Clients valued the person-centred holistic approach to care, including linking with other health providers. Barriers included low awareness of the program and difficulties finding an appropriate support person. Further exploration of cost-effectiveness would substantiate the apparently lower per client cost, assuming medical suitability for both programs, for home-based relative to inpatient withdrawal.

dc.publisherC S I R O Publishing
dc.titleExploring the costs and effectiveness of the Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network: a home-based alcohol and other drug withdrawal service
dc.typeJournal Article
dcterms.source.issn1448-7527
dcterms.source.titleAustralian Journal of Primary Health
curtin.departmentSchool of Public Health
curtin.accessStatusOpen access


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