The methodology employs a mixed methods design, which integrates quantitative and qualitative data to enrich the results in ways that one form of data does not allow. Each of the study objective aligns to a specific work package (WP).
Work package 1 (WP 1
Translation and adaptation of PREMAT for use in Uganda
In WP1 the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) Standard Set for Addictions and Patient Reported Experience Measure for Addiction Treatment (PREMAT) will be translated and adapted for use in Uganda.
The ICHOM Standard Set for Addictions is a validated and expert-developed tool representing the most relevant treatment outcomes according to persons with AOD problems themselves.
The ICHOM Standard Set for Addictions and PREMAT will be translated into Luganda and back-translated into English to ensure the meaning of items have been retained. The translated instrument will be pilot tested and thereafter, the feasibility of implementing these tools will be evaluated through primary data collection in the Butabika National Referral Hospital in Uganda.
Work package 2 (WP 2)
To assess treatment outcomes from a recovery and continuing care perspective for AOD service users at various time points
In WP2 we shall assess treatment outcomes from a recovery and continuing care perspective of AOD service users by means of a non-randomized naturalistic, longitudinal cohort study. A cohort of service users will be assessed at baseline and patient-reported outcomes and experiences (e.g. retention, aftercare participation, severity of dependence, extent of social network) will be measured after 45, 90 and 180 days.
Participants will be recruited from residential and outpatient treatment facilities for AOD in and around Kampala, Uganda. Data will be analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.
Work package 3 (WP 3)
A qualitative exploration of service users’ perceptions of PREMs and recovery trajectories of service users
WP3 concentrates on the perceptions of service users regarding their treatment experiences and recovery trajectories. Participants will be recruited from three residential AOD facilities that also render outpatient treatment.
We shall conduct 25 individual in-depth interviews. Interviews will be guided by a semi-structured interview schedule focusing on treatment history, recovery experiences, helping and hindering factors in recovery, and experiences of treatment services. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis.