This article focuses on the state of the art in the design, development, operation and evaluation of information systems intended to monitor the delivery of specialized alcohol and drug treatment services. We draw particular attention to the conceptual frameworks that guide an overall treatment information system and that can serve as a template for planning new systems or reviewing existing ones. Several key principles are articulated including an open systems perspective to help manage change; active participation and buy-in from a wide range of key stakeholders; and a heavy emphasis on utilization (influence) of the results. We also highlight the ways in which an alcohol and drug services research agenda might intersect with these information systems and consider alternative frameworks for describing use of the information they produce. Supports must be provided at multiple levels in the provider agencies and on an ongoing basis in order to address low capacity for entering quality data at the provider level. The research community should play an important role in helping frame the questions these systems can (and cannot) address; developing high quality performance indicators; supporting innovative local and central data analysis; and reporting aspects of the data of broad interest from a research and health policy perspective. KEY WORDS: Alcohol and drug treatment services, open systems perspective monitoring. Contemporary Drug Problems 36/Fall-Winter 2009 545 CDP Fall/Winter issue 2009 article by: Rush, et al.

We present an example of a collaborative process designed to review models of outcome monitoring for substance abuse services, with a view to assessing the feasibility of different approaches in Ontario, Canada. A conceptual framework that describes the parameters of an outcome monitoring system and four models of outcome monitoring were identified. Consultations were held with stakeholders (managers, directors, researchers, clinicians, and governmental representatives) about the types of information they would like to obtain from an outcome monitoring system. Our process is useful as a model for collaborative research with respect to performance measurement. The study's implications and limitations are noted.

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