Balancing standards and flexibility – Preconditions for a recovery-based tool in a Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context

Abstract

This article presents the outcome of the first phase in the development of a recovery capital-based assessment tool in a Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context. In the process of studying the potential usefulness of such a tool, other aspects besides psychometric properties and validity have been examined. The experience and knowledge of professionals in the Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context represent the empirical data. Five group interviews have been conducted with staff from different alcohol and drug treatment facilities in Sweden. The respondents were asked to discuss an outlined idea of a recovery capital-based assessment tool. The transcribed interviews were thematically analysed and divided into three themes: the impact and need for assessment and evaluation, the need for flexibility and simplicity, and the role of the professional. The findings indicate that there is a demand for a strength-based tool in the Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context. There was a divergence between the professionalism of the social work practitioners and the use of assessment tools. To meet this divergence, the professionals emphasized aspects such as simplicity and flexibility. The findings indicate that the conditions are favourable for the implementation of a recovery capital tool in a Swedish alcohol and drug treatment context, but certain questions remain unanswered. This requires further cooperation with professionals, and in particular provides them with the possibility to reflect on its usefulness and applicability, while applying it to their daily work and procedures.

A qualitative study of a recovery capital assessment tool in alcohol and drug treatment facilities: Perspectives from social work professionals

“…The sample of participants recruited for the study's group interviews consists of employees from four different AOD treatment facilities in Stockholm, Sweden. These facilities were selected since they had all participated in a previous study investigating the usefulness of RC in Swedish treatment of AOD problems (Härd et al, 2020). This meant that the facilities were familiar with the conceptual frames of the assessment tool.…”

“…The practical and theoretical usefulness of RC has been recognised in Sweden ( Skogens et al, 2017 ; Skogens & von Greiff, 2016 ; Topor et al, 2018 ), suggesting that an assessment tool based on RC might be as applicable in a Swedish treatment context as it has been in other countries ( Best et al, 2016 ; Burns & Marks, 2013 ; Groshkova et al, 2013 ; Lynch et al, 2021 ). A previously published paper ( Härd et al, 2020 ) outlines the first step in analysing the applicability of an RC-based assessment tool in an AOD treatment context. The findings illustrated a multifaceted approach to the assessment tool where some expressed a need for systematisation and standardisation while others argued that this would reduce the status of the professional.…”