The Alcohol Treatment Outcome Measure (ATOM): a new clinical tool for standardising outcome measurement for alcohol treatment

Whilst many instruments have been developed for screening and treatment outcome evaluation studies in the alcohol and other drug treatment (AOD) sector, very few are suitable for routine, ongoing use by clinicians. The aim of the current study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Alcohol Treatment Outcome Measure (ATOM). The ATOM was designed to measure the key outcomes of alcohol treatment whilst remaining a brief and easy to use clinical tool. Participants (N = 134) with a concern for their alcohol use were recruited from AOD treatment agencies and interviewed on two occasions one week apart. Results indicate that the ATOM has overall good to excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability; and satisfactory concurrent validity and internal reliability. The instrument also demonstrated the ability to measure change in client functioning over time. Results suggest that the ATOM can be used successfully and confidently within alcohol treatment services.