Standardized Screening Tools for Substance Use in Primary Care.

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Problem Statement: Screening, brief intervention, referral and treatment [SBIRT], is an evidence-based practice with the potential to improve health outcomes but has yet to be routinely translated into primary care practice despite the available evidence and ongoing rise of substance use disorders. Screening is the first, crucial step to this process. The literature supports the use of universal screening in all health care settings. Several barriers exist to the implementation of universal screening into primary care such as time limitations, medical needs, lack of training, stigma, and role conflict. Purpose: Driven by the Health Promotion Model and FADE Model frameworks, the purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase use of screening tools for substance use in primary care. This project focused solely on the universal screening process. Methods: Education and training was offered to staff at an internal medicine office on a valid and reliable standardized screening tool (ASSIST), in order to increase use of the tool. A chart review was completed pre-implementation of the education sessions for current screening efforts. A second chart review was completed post-implementation to determine screening compliance utilizing the ASSIST. Data collection focused on data over a 30-day time period and logged in an audit form. Results: The number of patients screened for substance use increased after implementation of staff education and training. Significance: This study supported the use of the ASSIST tool to increase identification of patients with substance use in a primary care setting. Future recommendations include use of EHR for screening and incorporation of the entire SBIRT model.