Maintaining Quality of Care in a Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program

This paper describes how a large, multifaceted dual diagnosis treatment program has attempted to preserve its mission through termination of or changes in the nature of resident research projects. Research reports, because of their focus on specific treatment components, often fail to capture the essence of the larger treatment contexts from which they emanate. Although host programs derive benefits from research projects, enhancements are often temporary and difficult to sustain. Programs are thus challenged to respond to resource losses creatively. The author discusses adaptations to losses in the areas of case management, behavioral skills training, an incentive system, money management, and continuity of care.