The development of an alcohol brief intervention e-coach for use by primary care clinicians

Excerpt

Rates of drinking, binge drinking, and driving under the influence of alcohol are higher among U.S. Veterans than non-Veterans, and approximately 20% to 30% of all U.S. Veterans screen positive for alcohol misuse ranging from risky drinking to alcohol dependence. To address these serious concerns, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policies and clinical practice guidelines standardize expectations for alcohol SBI and provide clinical decision-making guidance. However, there are key provider-level barriers to BI uptake and implementation including (1) lack of alcohol BI knowledge and skills and (2) competing clinical priorities for limited available time. Rates of BI delivery by busy primary care clinicians are low, even when prompted by electronic reminders based in the VA’s electronic medical record. Currently, BI training and practical role supports are not systematically offered. …