Utilization of substance abuse treatment publications by professionals in related fields

The Knowledge Application Program (KAP), funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, develops products on best practices in substance abuse treatment and disseminates the products to treatment professionals and professionals working in related disciplines. Target audiences include substance abuse treatment providers, consumers and their families, and professionals working in other health and social services systems. Professionals working in related systems are in an excellent position to identify individuals with substance use disorders and help these individuals obtain needed treatment services.

KAP publishes a serial – Substance Abuse in Brief (SAIB) Fact Sheet – aimed at educating these professionals. This study investigates the target audience's awareness and reactions to content, format, usefulness, and access to this product. Using an online survey, data were collected from a random sample of professionals. A 40% response rate was obtained. Respondents (N=237) were primarily female and had a mean of 17 years (SD = 10.27) in their field. Results indicate that 74% (n = 163) were more likely to obtain substance abuse treatment information from journals and other professional publications, from participation in trainings and workshops, and through informal conversations with other professionals. However, respondents also used the SAIB as a resource for a training or class, to distribute to others, and to keep informed. Qualitative analyses suggest that participants wanted short publications that contained useful, up-to-date information. These findings have implications for identifying innovative strategies for disseminating substance abuse treatment publications targeting professionals working in fields related to substance abuse treatment.