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Detoxifying in Darwin: Client Satisfaction and Outcomes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 May 2015

Bridie O'Reilly ,
Paul Rysavy  and
Chris Moon
Bridie O'Reilly*
Affiliation:
School of Health, Education, & Community Services, Northern Territory University Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Paul Rysavy
Affiliation:
Territory Health Services, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Chris Moon
Affiliation:
Territory Health Services, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
*
Corresponding author
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Abstract

This study investigated client satisfaction and completion of detoxification among 185 clients admitted to Darwin Detoxification Unit from February to August 1999. The aim of the study was to identify detoxification completion versus non-completion and to obtain information that could guide the development of the Unit. The sample was predominantly male (79%), Caucasian (80%), unemployed (83%) and with low education levels (71% with Year 11 or lower). 140 clients voluntarily completed an anonymous exit questionnaire (50% alcohol admissions, 50% other drug admissions) commenting on reasons for leaving the Unit and satisfaction with staff, daily routine/activities, medication and facilities. Respondents were also asked to rate their overall satisfaction and make any other comments that would improve the service. Half of all total admissions completed detoxification with alcohol admissions more than twice as likely to complete (p <.05). Reported satisfaction levels were high for both groups across all domains but no significant associations were found between satisfaction and completion of either alcohol or other drug admissions. Most complaints for both groups related to boredom and inactivity. The study highlights the challenges in retaining other drug admissions and the need to identify additional strategies to encourage detoxification completion, as well as confirming the value of consumer feedback in guiding service development.

Keywords

Alcoholdrugsdetoxificationsatisfactionoutcomes
Type
Articles
Information
South Pacific Journal of Psychology , Volume 12 , 2000 , pp. 13 - 22
Copyright
Copyright © University of Papua New Guinea and Massey University, New Zealand/Aotearoa 2000

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