An interactive electronic instructional unit on substance abuse

This paper describes an approach to instruction for allied health students in screening and brief intervention to assist children and adolescents living with adults who are abusing substances. Substance abuse is a major public health problem in the United States; among its outcomes is damage to children living in the home. Health professionals should screen child and adolescent clients to determine whether adults in the home are substance abusers, and provide help for children living with such adults. An interactive electronic instructional unit, suitable for either independent study or classroom use, was developed to provide this content to allied health students. The unit includes an introductory page, followed by pages focused on the scope of the problem, screening, and brief intervention. Evaluation by means of a pre and post-test suggested that the unit has the potential to increase occupational and physical therapy students' knowledge and modify attitudes regarding their role in providing screening, referral, and brief intervention for this population.