Implementing a Screening Tool and Referral Process for Substance Use Disorders in the Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Project

Introduction

Substance misuse in the United States has continuously proven to be a public health issue. The impact of substance use disorder and the injury and illness it produces creates challenges in the public health sector. This quality improvement project aimed to increase screening and referral rates in a rural emergency department.

Methods

The CAGE-AID screening tool was implemented into the triage process in the Meditech Expanse system; 1077 patients were included in this quality improvement project. This initiative used Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, collecting data weekly.

Results

There were 1077 patients available for the new screening process. This included 468 males (43.5%) and 609 females (56.5%). Of the 1077 patients, all (100%) were screened with the leading question. All patients (100%) were subsequently screened with the 4-item CAGE-AID tool if they answered “yes” to the leading question. Of these patients, 962 screened negative (89.3%) and 115 screened positive (10.7%). For those 115 positive screens, 63 denied referrals (54.8%) and 52 (45.2%) accepted referral. Of those 52 who accepted referral, 9 (17.3%) scheduled themselves for a follow-up appointment within 30 days of the new process going live.

Conclusion

It is possible for substance use disorder screening and referral to be implemented in every emergency department across the nation and beyond to help identify patients struggling with substance misuse and refer them to the appropriate treatment upon discharge. Substance use disorder screening and referral are an evidence-based method, and sufficient evidence supports the current practice of emergency departments implementing routine substance use disorder screening and referral as standard of care.