Perceptions of purchasing and payment mechanisms in alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia: A qualitative study involving alcohol and other drug service providers and purchasers of treatment.

In many countries reforms are taking place in the health sector consistent with New Public Management principles. These principles, when applied to AOD treatment, have included introducing competition, output and outcomes-based funding models, standards and accountability. Purchaser and providers identified both strengths and weaknesses and highlighted the overarching concern that implementation of any (mix) of these mechanisms should always be underpinned by a client-centred and not a finance-centred approach.