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. 2023 Mar 26;18(1):18.
doi: 10.1186/s13722-023-00376-z.

A systematic review of substance use screening in outpatient behavioral health settings

Diana Woodward  1 , Timothy E Wilens  1 , Meyer Glantz  2 , Vinod Rao  1 , Colin Burke  1 , Amy M Yule  3
Affiliations

A systematic review of substance use screening in outpatient behavioral health settings

Diana Woodward et al. Addict Sci Clin Pract. .

Abstract

Objective: Despite the frequent comorbidity of substance use disorders (SUDs) and psychiatric disorders, it remains unclear if screening for substance use in behavioral health clinics is a common practice. The aim of this review is to examine what is known about systematic screening for substance use in outpatient behavioral health clinics.

Methods: We conducted a PRISMA-based systematic literature search assessing substance use screening in outpatient adult and pediatric behavioral health settings in PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO. Quantitative studies published in English before May 22, 2020 that reported the percentage of patients who completed screening were included.

Results: Only eight articles met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Reported prevalence of screening ranged from 48 to 100%, with half of the studies successfully screening more than 75% of their patient population. There were limited data on patient demographics for individuals who were and were not screened (e.g., gender, race) and screening practices (e.g., electronic versus paper/pencil administration).

Conclusions: The results of this systematic review suggest that successful screening for substance use in behavioral health settings is possible, yet it remains unclear how frequently screening occurs. Given the high rates of comorbid SUD and psychopathology, future research is necessary regarding patient and clinic-level variables that may impact the successful implementation of substance use screening. Trial registry A methodological protocol was registered with the PROSPERO systematic review protocol registry (ID: CRD42020188645).

Keywords: Behavioral health; Outpatient; Screening; Substance use; Substance use disorder.

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Conflict of interest statement

AY is a consultant to the Gavin House and BayCove Human Services (clinical services), as well as the American Psychiatric Association's Providers Clinical Support System Sub-Award. TW has been a consultant for Neurovance/Otsuka, Ironshore, KemPharm, and Vallon, and he has a licensing agreement with Ironshore for a copyrighted diagnostic questionnaire that he co-owns (Before School Functioning Questionnaire). TW also serves as a clinical consultant to the US National Football League (ERM Associates), US Minor/Major League Baseline, Phoenix House/Gavin Foundation, and Bay Cove Human Services. There are no disclosures to report for the remaining authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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