Brief Description

The SEID Assessment Method is a tool designed to evaluate best practices in the field of substance use prevention and treatment. It is based on contemporary European standards and is used to systematically document the quality and effectiveness of programs and interventions in both prevention and therapeutic contexts.

Purpose

The primary aim of the SEID Assessment Method is to evaluate the structure, organization, methodological characteristics, and outcomes of substance use prevention and treatment initiatives. The tool supports the documentation of best practices while promoting transparency, accountability, and continuous quality improvement in service delivery.

Scoring Method

Responses are given in binary form (“Yes” or “No”), depending on the presence or absence of specific practices, procedures, or elements required by the tool. Positive answers must be substantiated with documentation and are further analyzed based on predefined axes detailed in the accompanying completion guide. These axes include both qualitative and quantitative indicators of implementation.

Validity

The tool is developed in alignment with international standards established by organizations such as the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its validity is supported by its consistency with established evaluation criteria for public health and addiction treatment interventions, as well as its successful application in various KETHEA programs.

Reliability

The SEID tool demonstrates functional reliability in terms of the consistency and completeness of the information it captures when used by trained professionals. Although it does not include conventional psychometric reliability indices (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha), its reliability is supported by standardized completion protocols, detailed instructions, and requirements for documentation.

Data Analysis and Use

Data from the SEID tool are analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, the percentage of positive responses per axis is calculated, indicating the level of best practice implementation. Qualitatively, narrative comments and documented evidence are collected for each area. This analysis serves internal evaluation, quality management, funding justification, and strategic optimization of interventions.

References

European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Exchange on Drug Demand Reduction Action (EDDRA).
Poulopoulos, Ch., Armaos, R., Papanastastatos, G., Triantos, P., Devlin, Ch., & Muehlbach, B. (2005). New Technologies and Networking in the Therapeutic Communities: The WFTC Information System (WFTC-IS).
U.S. Office of Management & Budget (2007). Guide to Program Assessment Rating Tool. Washington, DC.
World Health Organization (1993). Program on Substance Abuse: Assessment of Standards of Care in Drug Abuse Treatment.
KETHEA, Research Department. Sorvolou 24, 11636 Athens.