Tackling Teen Substance Use: Computer-Based Risk Screening Paired with Brief Provider Counseling

Assessing teen substance use and providing effective counseling are ongoing challenges for primary care providers.

To test one possible approach, researchers randomized 871 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years at five primary care practices (54 providers) to receive either a computer-facilitated substance use screening and brief provider-delivered intervention or usual care during a clinic visit. After completing the screening, the intervention group were shown their substance use risk score and information on substance use via tablet, followed by a discussion with their provider (previously trained on use of the intervention materials). Teens completed follow-up questionnaires at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the visit.

The intervention was judged…