Feasibility of emergency department bilingual computerized alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment

Subst Abus. 2010 Oct;31(4):264-9. doi: 10.1080/08897077.2010.514245.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of utilizing a computerized alcohol screening and intervention (CASI) kiosk in an emergency department (ED). An interactive English and Spanish audiographical computer program, developed for used on a mobile computer cart, was administered to 5103 patients. Patients who screened at risk (19%) also received a fully computer-guided brief negotiated interview (BNI) and a printed personal alcohol reduction plan. A higher percentage of younger patients, and males (31% versus 16% females), screened at risk or dependent. Patient surveys indicated CASI was easy to use and over 75% did not prefer a medical professional over the computer. The ED-based bilingual computerized alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment required little time to administer, was acceptable to patients, identified at-risk and dependent drinkers, and was able to provide personalized feedback and brief intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alcoholism / diagnosis
  • Alcoholism / prevention & control
  • Decision Making, Computer-Assisted*
  • Emergency Medical Services / methods*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multilingualism
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Referral and Consultation*
  • Substance Abuse Detection / methods*