Performance Management Model of Methadone Maintenance Treatment Centers: Challenges and Strategies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Islamic Azad University South Tehran Branch, No. 223, Headquarter of Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

2 Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, Iran

3 Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Administration Building, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Substance use disorder has led to various psychosocial and health-related
problems worldwide. The solution for reducing negative consequences associated with
substance use is Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study aims to design a
management model in the centers for substance use disorder treatment in Shiraz, Fars, 2019.
Methods: This qualitative research is a grounded theory (GT) study using Strauss and Corbin’s
strategy for data collection. We used a theoretical approach of sampling and interviewed 21
staff members of MMT centers. Data analysis was simultaneously done with data collection.
Results: After analyzing all the interviews, we defined treatment challenges as the central issue
in MMT centers. Also, we determined causal conditions, context, and intervening conditions.
Causal conditions include weakness in supervision, insufficient training, technicians’
weaknesses, and underestimation of the importance of prevention. Poor teamwork, lack of
motivation, and inappropriate personnel competency were among the interventional factors.
We found that contextual factors were due to inefficient public policies, limitations in issuing
new licenses for new centers, and insufficient income centers. At last, we extracted the initial
performance management model.
Conclusion: To sum up, people who apply for work in MMT centers must take specific
psychological tests before recruitment. To increase efficiency, MMT centers need financial
and economic support. Developing more MMT centers and, at the same time, expanding
recovery programs such as social aid, psychotherapy, and medical care will help build a
healthy environment and encourage the abusers to return to everyday life.

Keywords