Universal Screening for Substance Use
Our work begins at the first point of contact. By embedding screening questions in the EPIC admissions database, we hope to normalize substance use questions and decrease stigmatization. If a patient’s answer signals a possible substance use disorder, SUIT social workers conduct a more comprehensive interview.
Gender-based alcohol use question at admission:
- Female question
- How many times in the past have you had 4 or more drinks in the same day?
- Male question
- How many times in the past have you had 5 or more drinks in the same day?
Drug use question at admission:
- How many times in the past year have you used a recreational drug and used a prescription medication for non-medication reasons?
Inpatient Screen (embedded in Admissions Navigator)
Nurses will ask two-question screening and document patient responses.
The screen will automatically update patient response and assign a score.
Based on the score, the Substance Use Column will update with recommended action.
