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Date of this Version

7-25-2024

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Background: Substance use among adolescents is a serious problem for mental and physical health. Unfortunately, provider screening using evidence-based tools is inconsistent and may lead to gaps in patient care. The CRAFFT tool is evidence-based and is widely used to assess adolescents with substance use (Song et al., 2019).

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to enhance providers' knowledge of available screening tools, such as evidence-based CRAFFT, in identifying adolescents at risk of substance use. Another aim was to introduce and encourage the use of the screening tool at each visit within the practice, thereby standardizing the approach and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Methods: Using a pre-test post-test format, the educational intervention focused on enhancing providers' knowledge in clinical practice and screenings using the CRAFFT tool, an evidence-based substance use screening tool targeting adolescents. A comparison of the pre-intervention survey and post-intervention was used to assess providers' knowledge about CRAFFT screening tools, including the Substance Abuse Attitude Survey (SAAS).

Results: Post-assessment surveys from Qualtrics showed an overall improvement and an increase in knowledge of the CRAFTT tool from pre-intervention. Although the results are promising, they are from a single site, which limits generalization.

Conclusion: Providing education can improve knowledge and screening processes. With increased knowledge, providers will greatly impact screening to decrease the rates of substance use in adolescents.

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