Application of SBIRT Tools in Managing Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders

Background: To evaluate the eligibility and feasibility of the "Voice Modules in Narcology" (VMIN) program.

Material and methods: We developed a computer program to screen for risky alcohol or drug use, utilizing an interactive voice assistant as a motivational component. Given the low detection of such risks during population health examinations and medical check-ups, this program could allow the primary healthcare sector to expand screening coverage for risky alcohol and drug use without additional medical personnel. VMIN includes an anonymous short questionnaire (CAGE) and a question about drug use, offering a short (3-4 minutes) voice file with motivational information encouraging specialist consultation if risks are detected. The program also assesses the usefulness of the information received and the readiness to consult a narcologist for diagnosing substance use disorders. 51 outpatients under treatment at Samara State Medical University Hospital were included in the pilot project for evaluation the eligibility and feasibility program.

Results: 11 patients (21.6%) who were identified as at risk of alcohol or drug consumption listened to the voice modules after screening. Among these, 8 (72.7%) respondents provided feedback: 8 (72.7%) respondents found the information useful, 5 (45.5%) expressed willingness to change their behavior to reduce substance or alcohol use, 2 (18.2%) expressed readiness to seek specialized help, and 1 (9.1%) provided contact information for follow-up assessment of substance or alcohol use risk.

Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients in multi-profile hospitals' cardiology and gastroenterology units (21.6%) reported risky alcohol consumption; drug use was reported by one man (1.9%). The majority of respondents who listened to the voice modules considered the provided information useful, but only one (1.9%) shared contact information for the follow-up assessment, and 3 (27.3%) did not give feedback. The high proportion of individuals giving positive feedback provides preliminary support for the feasibility of the method.