The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and the attitudes of staff to the use of care outcome measurement in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Several years ago, Al Amal Hospital began to use the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) for the assessment and measurement of the outcome of care provided for persons with addiction problems. Clinical staff have been sceptical about the usefulness of this tool in clinical practice. We conducted a survey of staff to record their opinions of the ASI and other outcome measurement tools. Participants highlighted factors that would encourage the use of such tools in daily practice. In order to achieve the desired goals, an outcome measurement tool should be concise, adapted to culture and suitable for use in treatment planning and follow-up by clinicians.