1. Alcohol Screening, Evaluation, and Referral for Veterans
- Author
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Allan Finkelstein, Robin D. Krause Bs, Nancy Claiborne, Paul Postiglione Msw Lcsw-R, Patricia McDonnell Msw, and Lynn Videka
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Health (social science) ,Electronic records ,Referral ,Practice patterns ,business.industry ,Family medicine ,Rehabilitation ,Specialty ,Medicine ,Primary care ,business ,Healthcare providers - Abstract
Six Veterans' Administration primary care clinics were studied for practice patterns of guidelines for alcohol problem screening and referral for further evaluation and treatment. Analysis of 31 primary care provider interviews and 650 patient electronic records revealed 75 patients (14%) scored positive on the AUDIT–C, but only 4 (5%) were referred. Electronic record prompt with practice guidelines ensured screening, but scoring was inconsistent and follow-up responsibility was diffuse. Barrier themes included (a) communication patterns within and between primary care and specialty care, (b) perceived role of behavioral health providers, and (c) provider attitudes and expectations about patients' alcohol-related behavior.
- Published
- 2010
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