Advocating for Measures That Matter: Improving Quality Measures for Substance Use Disorders

This set of tools aims to strengthen consumer advocacy for better quality services through stronger, person-centered quality measurement of substance use disorders services. The tools focus on Massachusetts examples, but include material relevant nationally. The first resource is a glossary to help advocates understand the language of quality measurement. The second resource is a comprehensive train-the-trainer guide on the fundamentals of quality measurement advocacy. Lastly, the slide deck is a companion to the train-the-trainer guide, to be used during the training.  

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Sivi Satchithanandan: ssatchithanandan@communitycatalyst.org  

• Health Care Quality Measure Glossary

  This tool defines key terms, processes and organizations related to quality measurement of health care services. It contains examples about how these terms apply to substance use disorders, but the terms are common across all health care conditions. 

• Train-the-Trainer Guide

  This train-the-trainer guide is intended for anyone interested in facilitating a training for advocates or community leaders on quality measurement for substance use disorders treatment and recovery services. The guide includes pre-training preparation, a facilitation script, instructor notes, exercises/activities, and a list of resources and tools. The training itself covers the fundamentals of quality measurement, concepts and examples of measurement for substance use disorders services, advocacy strategies applicable anywhere in the country, and advocacy opportunities particular to Massachusetts.  

• Slide Deck

  This presentation is designed to be used alongside the train-the-trainer guide.