Substance Use Disorder Detection Rates Among Providers of General Medical Inpatients

Area of Science:

• Medical Inpatient Care
• Substance Use Disorders
• Healthcare Provider Detection

Background:

• Substance use disorders (SUDs) are more prevalent in medical inpatients than the general population.
• Inpatient providers are uniquely positioned to identify and intervene in SUDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate provider detection rates of SUDs among medical inpatients.
• To identify patient characteristics associated with SUD detection.

Main Methods:

• Data from a cluster randomized controlled trial (NCT01825057) involving 1076 patients across 13 general medical inpatient units.
• Utilized patient self-reports, diagnostic interviews, and medical records for data collection.
• Provider detection was determined by documented diagnoses in medical records.

Main Results:

• Nicotine use disorder had the highest detection rate (72.2%), while cannabis use disorder had the lowest (26.4%).
• Male patients were more likely to have alcohol use disorder detected than females (OR=4.0).
• Alcohol and opioid use disorders were less likely detected in Black patients compared to White patients. Higher addiction severity correlated with increased detection of nicotine, alcohol, opioid, and other drug use disorders.

Conclusions:

• Patient demographics (gender, race) and addiction severity significantly influence SUD detection rates by providers.
• Implementing formal screening for all substances is recommended to enhance provider detection and guide treatment planning.