The Impact of Non-Monetary Contingency Management Interventions in Patients' Substance Use Treatment Engagement in Umm Salal Treatment & Rehabilitation Center, Doha Qatar

With globalization and increased transportation and communication, substance use disorder (SUD) has become a significant global challenge. The Middle East serves as both a source and transit hub for many psychoactive substances. Founded in 2021 in Doha, Umm Salal Treatment & Rehabilitation Center (USTRC) is dedicated to improving treatment outcomes for patients and their families. So far, over 200 individuals have received support.

Our holistic approach includes:
•    Comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for patients and families
•    Personalized treatment plans
•    A structured 3-month recovery program in a residential setting

Contingency Management (CM) is an evidence-based behavioral strategy used to reinforce positive behaviors. USTRC introduces a unique non-monetary CM approach, utilizing a points-based rewards system and achievement certificates presented during weekly community meetings. This innovative system fosters recognition of patient progress, significantly improving sustained patient engagement in Treatment.

Launched in August 2022, the biopsychosocial group at USTRC holds weekly meetings involving multidisciplinary professionals and leadership. These sessions focus on refining interventions based on patient and family feedback.

Key objectives aimed at maximizing patient engagement:
•    Integration of Patient Feedback: Implemented Parallel Group Therapy Sessions, in addition to the weekly individual Psychotherapeutic sessions.
•    Enhancing Family Engagement: Weekly family sessions to facilitate healthy family communication, interpersonal relations and to support recovery.
•    Pre- and Post-Contingency Management (CM) Attendance Comparison: Data-driven analysis of participation rates to assess intervention effectiveness.
•    CM Approach: Points awarded to the patients based on session attendance and engagement.
•    Tiered Achievement System: BRONZE: 55 Points, SILVER: 213 Points, GOLD: 371 Points, DIAMOND: 539 Points and the Certificate of Achievement Issuance to increase the patients’ engagement in the program

Following the implementation of CM, USTRC has observed significant improvements in patient engagement, which increased from 61% to 83% in Psychology, 60% to 80% in Physiotherapy and 64% to 67% in Occupational Therapy sessions