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Brief substance use screening instruments for primary care settings: a review
1Institute for Social Analysis, ISA Associates, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. tmcpherson@isagroup.com
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
|March 15, 2000
Summary
Primary care providers can detect chemical dependence early, but current screening tools are often unsuitable. A need exists for validated, reliable instruments for primary care settings to improve early detection and intervention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Primary Care Practice
Background:
- Chemical dependence is a major cause of illness and death in the U.S.
- Primary care settings are ideal for early detection of substance use disorders.
- Current screening practices for chemical dependence in primary care are insufficient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess the feasibility of substance use screening instruments for primary care.
- To identify gaps in current screening tools for primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of substance use screening instruments.
- Categorization of instruments based on suitability for primary care.
Main Results:
- Existing substance use screening tools are largely inappropriate for primary care settings.
- Limited availability of validated and reliable screening instruments for primary care.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant need for developing new, effective screening tools for primary care.
- Improved screening instruments could enhance early detection and management of chemical dependence.