Unhealthy Drinking Behavior and the ATTAIN Solution: Web-based Automated Alcohol Misuse Interventions.

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Up to 30% of US adults exhibit unhealthy drinking patterns, yet only 17% are screened.
• Technological interventions show promise for improving screening rates for unhealthy alcohol use.
• There is a documented need for evidence supporting technology-based approaches to alcohol misuse screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of the Automated Alcohol Misuse Interventions (ATTAIN) system.
• To create an automated, web-based process for screening and managing unhealthy drinking behavior.
• To minimize healthcare personnel involvement in the initial stages of alcohol misuse management.

Main Methods:

• ATTAIN was developed using an integrated care model, electronic medical records, and a patient portal.
• An automated, branching questionnaire screens for unhealthy drinking and alcohol use disorders.
• Patient responses trigger automated feedback, counseling videos, and provider alerts.

Main Results:

• The ATTAIN system integrates patient screening data into electronic medical records.
• Automated feedback and resources are provided to patients based on their responses.
• The system is designed for refinement through quality improvement pilots.

Conclusions:

• ATTAIN offers a scalable solution to improve patient care for unhealthy drinking.
• The system is projected to reduce healthcare costs for managing alcohol misuse.
• The ATTAIN framework may be adaptable for other health conditions and behaviors.