Universal Screening

SUIT Program Components Universal Screening graphic

Universal Screening for Substance Use

Smiling doctor having a conversation with a womanOur 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)

Case Manage rScreen Navigator Screen 1Nurses will ask two-question screening and document patient responses
 

Case Manager Screen Navigator Screen 2The screen will automatically update patient response and assign a score
 

Case Manage rScreen Navigator Screen 3Based on the score, the Substance Use Column will update with recommended action