NSW Health’s Clinical Care Standards for Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Treatment provide a structured reference to support consistent, evidence‑informed AOD care across NSW. To support AOD workforce, CAOD is delivering face‑to‑face workshops across NSW focusing on the Clinical Care Standard of identifying, responding to and monitoring risks.
An evolving case study is used to support practical, integrated discussion, alongside consumer voice contributions, group activities and panel discussions. Perspectives from sectors including AOD, mental health, child wellbeing; and trauma-informed approaches are woven throughout the sessions. The workshops seek to facilitate discussions across providers and services within NSW regions to strengthen community access to culturally-safe service delivery.
What are the Clinical Care Standards?
Developed by the Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAOD), the Standards outline the essential components of care for people accessing AOD treatment and are intended for use across a range of clinical and service settings, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs). The Standards are supported by a suite of practical tools designed to assist not only clinicians, but also team leaders, managers and organisations in planning, delivering and reviewing AOD care.
From a client perspective, the Standards describe what care a person can expect when they seek AOD treatment. For the AOD workforce, they articulate what is aligned with best available evidence, covering key stages of the treatment pathway. For services and organisations, the Standards identify core elements of care that can be used to guide practice, documentation and quality improvement.
The Standards also provide a reference point for services in meeting relevant NSW and Commonwealth legal and policy requirements, supporting consistent approaches to governance and accountability.
Structure and content
The Clinical Care Standards are organised around six stages of AOD care: intake; comprehensive assessment; care planning; identifying, responding to and monitoring risks; monitoring treatment progress and outcomes; and transfer of care. Each standard outlines what the quality statement means for clients, clinicians and treatment services.
The standards do not prescribe specific clinical interventions, and allow services to apply the Standards in ways that reflect local context, community priorities and organisational models of care.
Please contact publichealth@ahmrc.org.au with any feedback about these clinical care standards and workshops, so that we can advocate for your needs. ACCHOs and services interested in attending or hosting a workshop can contact the NSW Health Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs for further information.
