A group-based brief intervention for surgery patients with high-risk substance use

Area of Science:

• Addiction medicine
• Surgical patient care
• Psychosocial interventions

Background:

• High-risk substance use is prevalent in patients undergoing elective surgery.
• Preoperative identification and intervention for substance use are crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a group-format psychosocial intervention for high-risk substance use in elective surgery patients.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction with the intervention.
• To compare medical outcomes and utilization between intervention and control groups.

Main Methods:

• 107 participants with at-risk substance use received a group-based intervention using motivational interviewing principles pre-surgery.
• Substance use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Condensed (AUDIT-C) and self-report.
• A control group (n=67) received usual care; medical outcomes and utilization were compared.

Main Results:

• Patient satisfaction with the intervention was high.
• A significant reduction in substance use was observed post-surgery (t = 9.94, P = .000).
• No significant differences in medical complications or utilization were found between groups.

Conclusions:

• A group-based intervention for substance use disorder is feasible in preoperative settings.
• The intervention may reduce substance use before and after surgery.
• Further research is needed to mitigate adverse medical outcomes in surgical patients with substance use disorders.