Feasibility of Emergency Department Bilingual Computerized Alcohol Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of utilizing a computerized alcohol screening and intervention (CASI) kiosk in an emergency department (ED). An interactive English and Spanish audiographical computer program, developed for used on a mobile computer cart, was administered to 5103 patients. Patients who screened at risk (19%) also received a fully computer-guided brief negotiated interview (BNI) and a printed personal alcohol reduction plan. A higher percentage of younger patients, and males (31% versus 16% females), screened at risk or dependent. Patient surveys indicated CASI was easy to use and over 75% did not prefer a medical professional over the computer. The ED-based bilingual computerized alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment required little time to administer, was acceptable to patients, identified at-risk and dependent drinkers, and was able to provide personalized feedback and brief intervention.

KEYWORDS:

• Alcohol
• brief intervention
• computer
• emergency department
• screening

This work has been presented at the 2008 SAEM Annual Meeting, May 29–June 1, Washington, DC.

This work was funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety.