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:
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?
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