Implementation Intervention to Improve Care for Unhealthy Alcohol Use

NIH RePORTER · VA · IK2 · · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Background. Alcohol use is a significant risk factor of disability and death for U.S. adults and one out of every six Veteran seen in primary care (PC) report unhealthy alcohol use. Unhealthy drinking is associated with increased risk for poor medical outcomes, substantial societal costs, and death, including suicide. Based on substantial evidence from randomized controlled trials and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, VA/DoD clinical guidelines stipulate that all Veterans screening positive for unhealthy alcohol use should receive evidence-based alcohol care in PC, including brief counseling interventions (BI) and additional treatment (e.g., pharmacotherapy) for those with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The VA was a pioneer in implementing alcohol screening and BI in PC, yet substantial implementation gaps remain. Approximately 25% of Veterans with unhealthy alcohol use still do not receive BIs and evidence suggests that the quality of BIs is lacking. For those with AUD, BI implementation has not appeared to increase access to recommended services (e.g., referrals) nor reduced barriers to pharmacotherapy. In order to improve the quality and fidelity of alcohol-related care, the current research proposes to use an evidence-based implementation strategy, practice facilitation, at one VA to pilot test whether practice facilitation has the potential to improve quality of PC-based alcohol-related care. Significance/Impact. This research directly addresses one of the largest public health crises of our time, as alcohol kills more people than opioids and is associated with increased risk of suicide. Thus, this work may have far-reaching effects on adverse outcomes experienced by Veterans and is aligned with top HSRD and VA priorities, including increased access to care and suicide prevention. Innovation. The project will use innovative implementation techniques not previously used to improve VA alcohol-related care. Specific Aims. Aim 1 is a qualitative study assessing Veteran and PC stakeholders to understand barriers and facilitators to high-quality alcohol care and use results to refine and hone the practice facilitation intervention. Aim 2 will deliver the practice facilitation intervention in a small PC sample to examine its acceptability and feasibility. Aim 3 is a pilot test of the practice facilitation intervention in the full PC clinic to understand whether practice facilitation improves quality of PC-based alcohol-related care. Methodology. Aim 1 will recruit and interview Veterans with unhealthy alcohol use (n=20-25) and PC stakeholders (N=10-15) to help refine the practice facilitation. Aim 2 will deliver the practice facilitation among a small sample of PC providers and staff (n=5-7) to assess acceptability/feasibility. In Aim 3, PC providers/staff from the full clinic will be invited to participate in the practice facilitation in order to assess implementation (e.g., reach) and effectiveness (reduced drinking) outcomes. Implementation...

Key facts

NIH application ID
10246898
Project number
5IK2HX003087-02
Recipient
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
Principal Investigator
Rachel Lauren Bachrach
Activity code
IK2
Funding institute
VA
Fiscal year
2022
Award amount
Award type
5
Project period
2020-10-01 → 2025-09-30