Treatment

They have been estimated by academic researchers working for the Home Office. The approach taken was to carry out field estimates in a small number of DATs, and then to extrapolate to the remaining DATs based on known relevant indicators such as deprivation and drug-related crime. See sections 1.4 and Annex A in the DTDM User Guide for further details.

For the purposes of the treatment model, PDUs are defined as a person who experiences social, psychological, physical or legal problems related to intoxication, regular consumption, or dependence, as a consequence of their own use of drugs.

Yes. The total at the top of the sheet (cell C8) is derived by adding up the values in each of the states at cells C12 – C19. You can change any or all of these cells to reflect local knowledge of conditions in a DAT. See section 6.2 in the DTDM User Guide for further information.

CJIP DATs will be expected to use the model as part of their development of their local treatment plans. Government Offices of the Region and Regional NTA Managers will review the plans and any differences in the estimates will need to be understood e.g. a DATs local knowledge could result in different input values. All other DATs are encouraged to use the model.

Currently, this is based on budgetary allocation from the NTA. It is expected that in the near future this can be updated with data based on NDTMS records.

The cost figures are national averages for the cost of keeping one place open, with the costs supplied by the NTA. They do not necessarily cover all the costs associated with such provision, but are intended to reflect the likely cost to DATs of purchasing it. As with other data values, they can be overridden by data based on local knowledge.

The model can be used to test out the impact of different scenarios on costs and resources allocation, as all DATs will receive some increase in funding in the next financial year within their Drug Pooled Treatment Budget.

The numbers entering is an estimate of the total number within a year that turn up for treatment. Many of the treatment modalities last significantly less than a year, so, over that period, a single place can support several PDUs.

Necessary capacity includes provision for previously existing service users.  Of course, over time, this number is roughly balanced by presentations that carry over into the succeeding year.

This can be done by anybody who wishes to test out the implications of a change in any of the conditions represented by the data in the yellow input cells.  If values are to be entered to support formal plans, the DAT Information Officer or the HO helpline can advise.

The data – and the model – will chiefly be used within the DAT to support the planning of treatment capacity. The NTA will use the model to assist in the review of DAT treatment plans and to analyse national treatment needs and to support the development of improved measurement and forecasting of the PSA trajectory.

The model is designed to assist in the treatment planning process and to be run at any appropriate time.

The model uses Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros to perform the calculations. The security level of Excel needs to be set to medium to enable the macros for the DTDM to run. See the user guide for information on how to enable the macros.