The centralized intake model for drug abuse treatment: The role of computerized data management

Several large research programs are underway that evaluate the centralized intake model for drug abuse treatment. In this model, the drug abuse treatment facilities in a city do not operate independently; their efforts are coordinated through a small number of intake centers, which handle all patient intake and data management activities. The success of such a coordinated approach to drug abuse treatment depends in large measure upon an adequate flow of patient information. For that reason, the centralized intake model brings new challenges for the field of computerized data management. The present article describes the management information system that is being used in a large research program called the District of Columbia Initiative (DCI). The methods of this system could be applied in cities where the centralized intake model for drug abuse treatment is adopted.