Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
Implementation of screening and assessment tools for diagnosing opioid use disorder: A systematic review
Audrey Lopez1, Audrey Sarah Cohen1, Francine Vega1
1Center for Behavioral Emergency and Addiction Research, McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States.
Introduction:
As the prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) continues to rise, early detection by medical professionals can often be the first step in linking individuals to treatment. This systematic review was designed to identify implemented OUD screening and assessment tools with studies published from January 2019 through June 2024, uncover common themes associated with implementation, and determine if these tools were recommended in clinical practice.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted within PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science using the keywords 'opioid use disorder,' 'documentation,' and 'screening assessment tool.' Three investigators independently reviewed titles, abstracts, and full-text articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria and inclusion within the study. The Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model was used to appraise evidence level, quality, and common themes.
Results:
The initial literature search yielded 914 articles for review, with 19 remaining in the final selection. Of the 19 articles, 15 provided quantitative results of an implemented OUD screening or assessment tool, and 4 offered qualitative results about the value of implemented tools within a clinical practice. 15 of the articles recommended a screening or diagnostic assessment tool. Key themes included the insufficiency of a single assessment tool, inconsistent documentation of OUD diagnoses and symptoms, and variable tool completion.
Conclusion:
Diagnosing OUD is complex and dynamic. This review highlights the value of screening and assessment tools in identifying individuals and initiating opioid use-related care. Future research should explore implementing artificial intelligence and patient-centered care to assist with OUD screening and assessment.
More Related Videos
10:17High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
10:13Author Spotlight: An Efficient Methodology to Confidently Differentiate and Characterize Fentanyl Analogs
Published on: November 8, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Opioid Receptors: Overview