Workforce and systems change to treat adolescent substance use disorder within integrated pediatric primary care: A cluster-randomized stepped-wedge trial

Abstract

Background: While the overdose crisis has impacted all ages, overdose-related deaths among adolescents have been increasing more rapidly than any other age group, doubling between 2019 and 2020. Identifying and treating substance use disorders (SUDs) among adolescents is critical to preventing adolescent overdose deaths. While evidence-based interventions for adolescents with SUDs exist, they remain underutilized. Implementing SUD interventions in primary care settings through integrated behavioral health (IBH) is one approach for increasing access to evidence-based SUD services for adolescents.

Methods: This is a Hybrid Type 2, cluster-randomized, stepped-wedge trial comparing SUD IBH to standard primary care treatment. In our open cohort stepped-wedge design, primary care clinics will be randomly designated to one of three cohorts. We will use a mixed-methods approach to evaluate both implementation and effectiveness outcomes, with a focus on assessing the impact of IBH on primary care provider behaviors around SUD interventions. All cohorts will complete baseline surveys during the control condition and then every 6 months. At each time point, we will also collect and analyze patient administrative data to assess patient engagement and outcomes. In addition, we will conduct qualitative interviews at pre-, mid-, and post-implementation during sustainment of the intervention.

Conclusion: Addressing the overdose crisis is a national priority. IBH has the potential to reduce overdose rates by enhancing primary care provider willingness to deliver SUD services for adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescents; Integrated behavioral health; Overdose; Substance use disorder.