The Counties Manukau Health AOD Action Plan (2009-2014) calls for proactive strategies to engage and re-engage consumers in their recovery journey.

It also recommends the development of 'peer-led aftercare services' to enhance outcomes for people living with severe and/or complex AOD dependency.

To explore these service priorities further, the AOD Provider Collaborative commissioned a research project in 2012 that comprised a literature review, a snapshot survey, focus groups and interviews with consumers and representatives of AOD service providers.

KEY FINDINGS

• Literature indicates a concept shift from 'aftercare' towards 'continuing care'
• Evidence of effective models of aftercare or continuing care is emerging in the literature (with peer-based approaches highly valued by consumers)
• Services indicate a trend towards continuing care, where funding permits
• There are a range of aftercare options in Counties Manukau, however consumers would like to see these options broadened to be more holistic with a focus on social inclusion
• Idenitfied service gaps include: supported accommodation; options for young people.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Strengthen links with primary care providers and develop shared understanding of continuing care approaches
• Encourage AOD service providers to incorporate effective elements of aftercare as identified in the literature, e.g. extended monitoring and support
• Encourage AOD service providers to incorporate priorities identified by consumers in their aftercare provision, e.g. social inclusion
• Consider provision of aftercare in service contracts and associated funding
• Invest in peer-based approaches and supported accommodation options.

A literature review - Addiction and Continuing Care: Summary of Selected Literature Report August 2012 - and detailed reports on the survey, focus group and interview findings are available from Counties Manukau Health.