Bridging the Gap: Drug and Alcohol Screening in Adolescent Trauma Patients

Abstract

Image 1Contribution to Emergency Nursing Practice: •Alcohol and substance use is a significant factor in adolescent trauma. By identifying patients at-risk for substance-use disorders, providers can provide early interventions to support this vulnerable population. •The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT) requires Level I and II trauma centers to screen high-risk users to maintain center accreditation. Several screening tools have been investigated, including both biochemical testing and questionnaires, but it remains unclear which modality most effectively identifies at-risk adolescent trauma patients. •Providers in emergency departments and trauma centers are well positioned to screen for high-risk behaviors such as alcohol and substance use, as studies on screening and early interventions in the adolescent trauma population have demonstrated reduction in recurrent injury and readmission rates. •Although no screen identifies all at-risk adolescents, evidence supports implementation of an evidence-based, developmentally appropriate universal screening protocol consisting of biochemical screening in conjunction with self-report.