Implementing Alcohol Misuse SBIRT in a National Cohort of Pediatric Trauma Centers

In 2006, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) adopted a requirement for certification as a level one trauma center that mandated universal screening for alcohol misuse and delivery of a brief intervention for those screening positive1. Though this requirement has been mandated for a decade, its implementation has been challenging, especially for pediatric trauma centers. Our research team completed a CDC funded implementation study supporting seven pediatric trauma centers' compliance with the ACS requirement by developing and implementing an institutional alcohol Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) protocol for adolescent trauma patients. A mixed-methods approach indicated that SBIRT adoption rates increased at all sites2; however, providers' fidelity to the SBIRT intervention was variable, and providers reported a number of barriers to SBIRT implementation. We have an unparalleled opportunity and an identified need to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive SBIRT implementation strategy for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use across a national cohort of pediatric trauma centers.

The goal of this application is to conduct a fully powered Type III hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial to test the effectiveness of a comprehensive strategy in improving the implementation of SBIRT for AOD use in pediatric trauma centers. Our implementation strategy is based on the Science to Service Laboratory (SSL), an approach developed by the SAMHSA-funded Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs) that consists of the same three core elements (i.e., didactic training + performance feedback + leadership coaching) used in our CDC study. The SSL is an evidence-based strategy3,4 that provides leadership coaching focused on sustainability and that has potential for widespread dissemination throughout the ATTC network. The SSL was specifically designed to increase organizational readiness for implementation. Based on feedback from the CDC study, two enhancements were made to the SSL strategy: 1) integration of the intervention into the electronic medical record (EMR) as a means of improving SBIRT adherence; and 2) development of separate training tracks for nurses, social workers and organizational leaders to meet the unique needs of each group. In addition, we integrate counseling around the use of prescription pain relievers into the SBIRT intervention as an Exploratory Aim, since most pediatric trauma center patients are discharged on pain medication and patients with a history of AOD use are at elevated risk of opioid misuse5. Utilizing a stepped wedge design, a national cohort of 10 pediatric trauma centers will receive the SSL implementation strategy. Data collection for this study relies on multiple sources. At six distinct time points, each of the 10 sites will provide retrospective data from EMR charts for review. A subset of adolescents will also report on fidelity of intervention delivery and linkage to care (i.e., continued AOD discussion and/or treatment with a primary care provider) 1 month after hospital discharge. In addition, nurses, social workers, and leaders from each pediatric trauma center will report on organizational readiness for implementation at three distinct time points. Results of this study will demonstrate that a highly scalable implementation strategy, adapted for pediatric trauma centers from the results of our mixed-methods implementation trial, will improve the fidelity (i.e., the consistency and quality) of SBIRT delivery within pediatric trauma centers.

Primary Aim: Evaluate the effectiveness of the SSL implementation strategy in increasing fidelity of SBIRT delivery at pediatric trauma centers, relative to usual implementation.

Hypothesis: Staff that receive the SSL will increase by 20% the proportion of admitted injured adolescents receiving each element of the SBIRT protocol as indicated: a) validated AOD screening, b) brief AOD intervention, and c) referral to appropriate care post-discharge (i.e., continued AOD discussion/treatment with a health care provider).

Secondary Aim 1: Evaluate whether readiness for organizational change mediates the influence of the SSL implementation strategy on implementation effectiveness (i.e., fidelity of SBIRT delivery).

Hypothesis: The effect of the SSL on implementation effectiveness will be partially mediated by organizational readiness to change.

Secondary Aim 2: Evaluate the effect of the SSL implementation strategy on improving patient linkage to appropriate care (i.e., continued AOD discussion with primary care provider and/or AOD treatment) following discharge from pediatric trauma centers.

Hypothesis: Injured adolescents that receive the SSL will report higher rates of AOD discussion/treatment with a health care provider within 30 days of discharge, compared to usual implementation.

Exploratory Aim: Examine the integration of counseling regarding the use of prescription pain relievers into SBIRT delivery with injured adolescent patients who screen positive for AOD use.

Hypothesis: Staff that receives the SSL will demonstrate higher rates of discussion of appropriate pain medication use and medication disposal with patients who screen positive for AOD use, compared to usual implementation.

The proposed research builds on our prior implementation research and has potential to impact clinical care, address an important public health issue and significantly contribute to implementation science.