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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Wait times for publicly funded addiction and problem gambling treatment agencies in Ontario, Canada

Authors: Rachael V Pascoe, Brian Rush, Nooshin Khobzi Rotondi

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

This study describes the definitions of wait times and intake processes used by drug and problem gambling treatment agencies in Ontario, Canada, as well as the various strategies employed to ameliorate client backlog.

Methods

An online survey was developed and distributed to 203 publicly-funded, provincial substance use and problem gambling treatment agencies from June to August, 2011. All aspects of the intake process were covered in the survey.

Results

Based on 139 responses, six different wait time periods were identified. Additional analyses were completed by type of service offered. Suggestions for effective interventions to shorten wait times and recommendations for future research are provided.

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight a need for standardized definitions of wait times across substance use and problem gambling treatment services.
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Metadata
Title
Wait times for publicly funded addiction and problem gambling treatment agencies in Ontario, Canada
Authors
Rachael V Pascoe
Brian Rush
Nooshin Khobzi Rotondi
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-13-483

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