Mission Statement and Core Values (Version 2003_11-24)
The mission and core value statements have been used to inform the development and selection of the core performance measures.
Mission Statement:
There is a clear need to promote quality and accountability in the delivery and management of opioid dependence disorder services by opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and individual practitioners. The Washington Circle (WC) believes that this is best accomplished through the overarching WC Mission and Core Values, with an enhanced process of care model and measures for each domain within that model to address the specific characteristics of opioid dependence. Moreover, the WC believes that accountability for opioid dependence disorder services is best achieved when all domains of the process of care are considered. The WC is committed to developing evidence-based measures that facilitate accreditation and promote a culture of continuous quality improvement and feedback to patient, provider, and program.
Core Values:
Treatment works. People with opioid dependence disorders suffer from conditions that are frequently chronic and relapsing in nature, readily identifiable, and eminently treatable. Patients, their families, and significant others should receive professional care for these conditions, including access to behavioral therapies and pharmacotherapy, in a timely and respectful fashion. This professional care should be followed with continuing support through self-help approaches and other community organizations.
Recognition is the first key step in recovery. Opioid dependence disorders often go unrecognized and untreated in healthcare settings. Identifying people in need of opioid dependence services and providing them with access to appropriate care are first order responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Individualized, comprehensive, evidence-based treatment is critical. People with opioid dependence disorders must have access to the full range and sufficient duration of evidence-based treatment options. These options should include pharmacotherapies and a continuum of care. Treatment needs to be individualized and should incorporate the client’s strengths, assets, and input. Self-help approaches, although an important component of a comprehensive treatment plan, are not a substitute for treatment by skilled clinicians.
Support services for family members and significant others are essential. Family members and significant others of individuals with opioid dependence disorders are at increased risk for substance dependence disorders and/or other health issues that complicate an individual’s recovery. Therefore, intervention, treatment, and support services to families and/or significant others are important components of effective treatment.
Absent or poor opioid dependence care leads to adverse social and economic consequences. Evidence shows that failure to identify and treat opioid dependence disorders leads to social ills such as crime, the spread of infectious disease and dangerous levels of illegal drug use. OTPs should work with communities to identify opioid dependent individuals and monitor the effect of their treatment on the community-at-large.
With support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment |
