Enhancing Screening and Counseling for Alcohol Use Disorder in a Predominantly Hispanic Border Town Population With...

Area of Science:

• Preventive medicine
• Public health
• Behavioral health

Background:

• The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in adults.
• The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C) is a validated tool for AUD screening.
• Routine AUDIT-C screening and counseling training were lacking at TTUHSC El Paso Internal Medicine Residency Clinic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate AUDIT-C screening into the electronic medical record (EMR).
• To provide residents with training in alcohol use disorder counseling.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in a primarily Hispanic border population.

Main Methods:

• Implemented AUDIT-C screening within the EMR system.
• Provided residents with Addiction Medicine physician-led training on AUD counseling.
• Collected data on screening results and patient feedback post-counseling.

Main Results:

• 39 patients were screened; 34 (87%) screened positive for AUD.
• 12 patients completed post-counseling surveys.
• 92% found counseling helpful, 67% were surprised by their drinking habits, and 67% were willing to consider behavior change.

Conclusions:

• Integration of AUDIT-C and counseling training enhances adherence to USPSTF guidelines.
• Patients in El Paso showed a willingness to discuss alcohol use and engage in counseling.
• The findings support broader implementation of AUDIT-C and clinician training.