Documented brief intervention associated with reduced linkage to specialty addictions treatment in a national sample of VA patients with unhealthy alcohol use with and without alcohol use disorders.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Alcohol screening, brief intervention (BI) and referral to treatment is often considered stepped care, such that BI with referral links patients to treatment. A meta-analysis of randomized trials found no evidence that BI increases treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aimed to determine whether BI is associated with receipt of treatment for AUD among patients receiving BI as part of routine care.

Design

Regression analysis.

Setting

US Veterans Health Administration (VA), in which BI is supported by performance measurement and electronic clinical reminders.

Participants

VA outpatients with positive Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption screens (≥ 5) (n = 830,825) documented nationally from 1 October 2009 to 30

SUBMITTER: Frost MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7725424 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature