Using focus groups to evaluate client satisfaction in an alcohol and drug treatment program

Often in studies of the program effectiveness of alcohol and drug treatment programs, behavioral outcomes are the only focus. While important, behavioral outcomes do not explore the viewpoint of the client about the success of the program, and evaluators are now recognizing the importance of measuring the performance of addictions treatment programs in terms of client satisfaction. The primary purpose of this article is to describe the experience of evaluators in their attempts to assess client satisfaction through the use of focus groups at a comprehensive drug treatment program for women and their children. The results of these focus groups are shared, and the appropriateness of the focus group methodology in assessing client satisfaction with comprehensive drug treatment services for women is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.