FOCUS Supervision Strategy for Substance Use Disorder

Overseen By Jure Baloh, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Arkansas

Disqualifiers: Contracted supervisors

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

43 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The trial aims to improve addiction services by training supervisors who support counselors in substance use treatment programs. It will test a new supervision strategy called FOCUS, designed to enhance counselors' well-being and performance, ultimately leading to better outcomes for clients with substance use disorders, such as opioid addiction. Supervisors or counselors working in residential substance use treatment facilities may be a good fit for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative strategies that could significantly improve addiction treatment services.

What prior data suggests that the FOCUS supervision strategy is safe for improving counselor well-being and performance?

Research on the FOCUS supervision strategy for treating substance use disorder continues. As this method is new and still under evaluation, direct information about its safety remains limited. However, the FOCUS strategy is not a medication or physical treatment. Instead, it trains supervisors in addiction treatment programs, making it likely less risky than treatments involving drugs or medical procedures.

The strategy aims to enhance supervisors' support for counselors, potentially improving care for individuals with substance use disorders. No reports of negative effects from the FOCUS supervision strategy have emerged, as it does not involve direct patient treatment. Instead, it focuses on enhancing the skills and well-being of the care-providing staff. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the FOCUS supervision strategy for Substance Use Disorder because it offers a novel approach to treatment through enhanced supervisory methods. Unlike traditional treatments, which often focus solely on direct interventions with patients, this strategy targets the training and coaching of supervisors. This could improve the overall quality and consistency of care that patients receive. The goal is to empower supervisors with better tools and techniques, ultimately leading to more effective patient outcomes.

What evidence suggests that the FOCUS supervision strategy is effective for substance use disorder?

Research has shown that the FOCUS supervision strategy, which participants in this trial will experience, could improve results in substance use disorder treatment programs. FOCUS is a strengths-based approach that enhances supervisors' ability to support counselors. By concentrating on key areas like effective communication and support, it aims to reduce counselor burnout and boost performance. Although specific data on FOCUS remains limited, evidence indicates that better supervision can lead to improved client outcomes. This suggests that FOCUS might indirectly help reduce substance use by enhancing the quality of care counselors provide. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for supervisors and counselors working at substance use treatment facilities that offer residential services. It's aimed at those who are employed by the facility, not contracted workers.

Inclusion Criteria

Serves as a supervisor (i.e., oversee work of counselors) or counselor (i.e., directly work with clients) at a substance use treatment facility/program

Program/facility provides residential services

Exclusion Criteria

Supervisors contracted (not employed) by the facility

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Development and Refinement

Development and refinement of the supervision strategy for SUD settings using the Evidence-Based Quality Improvement (EBQI) process.

6 months

Series of collaborative meetings

Pilot Cycles

Conducting two pilot cycles with supervisors and counselors to assess feasibility and acceptability of the supervision strategy.

12 months

Monthly meetings

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• FOCUS supervision strategy

Trial Overview The FOCUS supervision strategy is being tested to see if it can improve counselor well-being and performance, which may lead to better outcomes for clients with substance use disorders.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Supervision arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Supervisors will be trained and coached in a new supervision strategy (FOCUS)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Arkansas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

500

Recruited

153,000+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Chestnut Health Systems

Collaborator

Trials

27

Recruited

24,500+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07262372?term=NA

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Programs The FOCUS supervision strategy provides a strenghts-based model for supervision. It is built around three core components: (1) Five pillars for ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12180564/

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Outcomes The heterogeneous metrics and criteria used to assess the effectiveness of substance use disorders treatment hinders cross‐study comparisons.

3. library.samhsa.gov library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/PEP20-02-01-018.pdf

Competencies for Supervision in Substance Use Disorder ... This Advisory provides an introduction to evidence- and consensus-based competencies to guide the effective supervision of SUD treatment providers in community ...

4. psychiatryonline.org psychiatryonline.org/ajp/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.20240042

Five-Year Outcomes of a School-Based Personality ... Numerous randomized trials have shown that the program is effective in reducing alcohol and drug use and mental health symptoms by a notable 30% ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2916744/

Evidence-Based Interventions for Preventing Substance Use ... The strongest intervention effects were observed among students exposed to at least 60% of the intervention; these students had significantly lower rates than ...

6. cdc.gov cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/media/pdfs/2025/08/ENGAGE_Resource-for-Action_508c.pdf

Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Youth Substance Use The program helps state and local governments implement evidence-based strategies such as enhancing prescription drug monitoring programs, promoting safe ...