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Biomedical subjects

G J Stahler

Publications and source records attributed to G J Stahler.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Using ethnographic methodology in substance abuse treatment outcome research.

The purpose of this article is to argue for a greater inclusion of ethnography as an adjunctive methodology within the context of traditional substance abuse treatment outcome studies. First we describe what is meant by "ethnographic methodology," then discuss the various methodological elements of ethnographic research that are relevant to substance abuse research. A number of suggested applications of ethnographic research pertaining to a substance abuse treatment outcome context are then presented. The article concludes with a discussion about how ethnographic methods can enhance and broaden our understanding of important questions relating to substance abuse treatment processes and outcomes.

Anthropology, Cultural↗
PubMed1995

Evaluating alternative treatments for homeless substance-abusing men: outcomes and predictors of success.

The present study was designed to explore the relative efficacy of three types of service delivery intervention models for homeless men with alcohol and/or drug problems: integrated comprehensive residential services provided at one site (Group 1); on-site shelter-based intensive case management with referrals to a community network of services (Group 2); and usual care shelter services with case management (Group 3). In addition to assessing the relative efficacy of these approaches in terms of drug and alcohol use, residential stability, economic and employment status, the project also sought to examine what personal factors best predicted successful outcomes for clients. Clients were assessed at baseline and approximately six months following discharge. All three treatment groups improved significantly over time in terms of reduced alcohol and cocaine use, increased employment, and increased stable housing, but no differential improvement was found among groups. Successful outcomes were predicted by lower recent and lifetime substance use, fewer prior treatment episodes, more stable housing at baseline, fewer incarcerations, and less social isolation.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

The factor structure of the Colorado Level of Functioning Measure.

The Colorado Level of Functioning Measure (LOF) is a widely used instrument in public mental health centers that assesses client functioning. The present paper presents the results of an investigation of the instrument's factor structure, with data from 809 patients in a community mental health center. The results suggest that the LOF is comprised of three factors--Basic Life Functioning, Psychological Functioning, and Anti-Social Behavior. These factors accounted for 60% of the variance. Implications for the use of the scale are discussed.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1986

Do therapists bias their ratings of patient functioning under peer review?

The present study was an attempt to examine the rating bias of therapists participating in an evaluation of an experimental quality assurance system at a community mental health center. The test program was intended to identify patients who demonstrated lack of progress or poor level of functioning after two months of treatment, and to employ a clinical assessment process by independent clinicians to evaluate problems in the quality of care. It was believed that the therapists knowledge that they might have their clinical work assessed would lead to biased ratings of more severe symptomatology in their patients. The results of this study partially supported the hypothesis. Patients in the peer review system were rated as more dysfunctional at admission on Psychological Functioning than patients in the control groups. No differences, however, were found on Basic Life Functioning, Anti-Social Behavior, or Mental Processes. The implications for these results relative to psychotherapy research, quality assurance, and program evaluation are discussed.

Adult↗