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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Richard A. Yoast, PhD, Office on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse Preventions, American Medical Association, 515 North State Street, Chicago, IL 60610, 312-464-4202, richard.yoast@ama-assn.org

The Primary Care Physician Outreach Project for the National Institute on Drug Abuse has been investigating potential effective strategies to reach practicing physicians and to increase their knowledge of substance use disorders and their rates of screening and intervening with patients who are smokers or other drug users. The project has conducted an extensive literature review, surveyed physicians, conducted focus groups, examined outreach strategies, and reviewed existing medical education resources. Results of this investigation will be presented along with key lessons regarding obstacles to physician provision of services and recommendations for change. These will be examined in the context of provision of other preventive behavioral health services, the impact of existing health care system structures, and the ways in which physicians are educated and trained.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to

• Identify the gaps between physician practice standards and actual performance for screening and intervening with patient substance use disorders.
• Articulate major types of obstacles that prevent quality services.
• Identify three strategies to increase the rates of screening and intervention in primary care settings.

Keywords: Substance Abuse Assessment, Primary Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No