Predictors of Treatment Referral after AUDIT-C Screening for Heavy Drinking.

Naps MS, Maass D, Kranzler HR, Smith RV, Ingram E, Oslin DW. Predictors of Treatment Referral after AUDIT-C Screening for Heavy Drinking. Addictive disorders & their treatment. 2018 Sep 1; 17(3):124-133.

Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects.

If you have VA-Intranet access, click here for more information vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/dimensions/

VA staff not currently on the VA network can access Dimensions by registering for an account using their VA email address.    Search Dimensions for VA for this citation
* Don't have VA-internal network access or a VA email address? Try searching the free-to-the-public version of Dimensions

Search for Abstract from PubMed

---

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: The Veterans Health Administration has implemented annual screening for heavy drinking during primary care encounters using the 3-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) questionnaire and made specialized services available to patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). We sought to identify the factors that influence whether a patient who has an elevated AUDIT-C score receives appropriate care in the context of an integrated mental health services program. We focused on higher AUDIT-C scores, as these are seen in individuals who are most likely to have a moderate-to-severe AUD and more severe alcohol-related consequences. METHODS: Utilizing electronic health record data, we conducted a four-year retrospective study of veterans at high-risk for an AUD, based upon an AUDIT-C score > = 8 recorded during a primary care encounter at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center and its community-based outpatient clinics. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, the predictors of treatment referral were younger age, being non-white, higher AUDIT-C score, and main campus location. Among patients referred for treatment, younger age and being white were associated with an increased likelihood of completing a pre-treatment assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to increase the consistency of treatment referrals, according to established clinical guidelines, could enhance the effectiveness of AUDIT-C screening during primary care visits. Subgroups of patients who may benefit from such efforts include individuals with high-risk but sub-maximal AUDIT-C scores, older patients, and patients who are seen at community-based outpatient clinics.