title: The effectiveness of a hospital-based intervention for patients with substance-use problems in the Western Cape.
abstract: District hospitals regularly experience a high incidence of substance use disorders, but rarely provide interventions. We describe the effectiveness of an intervention developed and implemented by a Western Cape hospital. Patients with probable substance use were referred to an on-site social worker for an alcohol, smoking and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST), a brief motivational intervention and referral to specialist care. At the 3-month follow-up, the ASSIST was re-administered telephonically. An intervention was received by 127 patients. A significant reduction in substance use was reported in 92 patients who completed a 3-month follow-up evaluation (p<0.001). Of the 60 patients referred to further care, half entered treatment. We conclude that, with minimal resourcing, it is feasible to administer a brief substance use intervention for patients attending district hospitals.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa. katherine.sorsdahl@uct.ac.za
authors: Katherine
authors: K
authors: Sorsdahl
authors: Dan J
authors: DJ
authors: Stein
authors: Lize
authors: L
authors: Weich
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Fourie
authors: Bronwyn
authors: B
authors: Myers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006767:Hospitals, District / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013019:South Africa; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D013689:Telephone / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult