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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Craig Field, PhD, MPH, Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, 6011 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235, 214-648-1343, craig.field@utsouthwestern.edu and Raul Caetano, MD, PhD, Dallas Regional Campus, University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., V8.112, Dallas, TX 75390-9128.

Background: This study evaluated data related to a brief alcohol intervention in the emergency department (ED) and trauma care center. Screening rates, enrollment rates and discharge positive rates were initiated as part of a process evaluation of study procedures. Results: Over a two year period, more than 6000 injured patients were seen for treatment of an injury. In collaboration with trauma surgeons and trauma nurse clinicians screening rates for eligible patients were 89%. Consistent with prior studies approximately 41% of all patients screened positive for an alcohol related injury. The administration of blood alcohol concentrations by trauma surgeons increased twofold during the first six months of the study which yielded more patients screening positive. A significant difference in screening and enrollment rates for admitted trauma patients versus ED patients was observed with ED patients being less likely to screen positive (27%) and twice as likely to refuse (40%). Several factors may contribute to this difference including the ED environment itself and patient characteristics. Finally, 14% of patients who screened positive were not approached by study staff for participation in the study prior to discharge due to limited coverage. Conclusion: Effective implementation of SBIRT for patients admitted for an alcohol related injuries requires a multidisciplinary effort involving trauma surgeons, trauma nurse clinicians, intervention staff and community treatment centers. While SBIRT has demonstrated significant promise as a means of reducing subsequent alcohol use and trauma recidivism, its widespread implementation is not without barriers.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the process for implementing screening and brief intervention with injured patients
• Discuss the barriers to effective implementation of screening and brief intervention with injured patients
• Evaluate the insitutions preparedness to effectively implement screening and brief intervention

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Injury

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered