Improving Substance Use Treatment Capability in Collaborative Care

ABSTRACT

Background: In 2019, Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services (BILH BS) began system-wide implementation of Collaborative Care (CoCM). CoCM is an evidence based model of integrated care designed to treat persistent behavioral health conditions within primary care, including substance use disorders (SUD). The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented an increase in substance use at a state and national level, while a dearth of available treatment options drove increased demand for substance use treatment in primary care (NIDA 2022;Ornell 2020). An internally distributed provider survey served to determine a baseline of substance use treatment capability within BILH CoCM, as well as a gap in provider confidence and capability in meeting these treatment needs. Method(s) BILH BS CoCM partnered with an addictions psychiatrist to develop a comprehensive training module for Behavioral Health Clinicians (BHC) specific to treating substance use disorders within the CoCM model. A pre-module self-assessment was distributed to 25 participating BHC to score provider comfort and knowledge in assessing and treating substance use disorders. Providers responded according to a 5-point Likert scale. BHC are required to attend three 60-minute interactive didactics. A post-module self-assessment will be distributed to assess change in BHC comfort and knowledge of treating SUD and how new skills have been incorporated into patient care. Result(s) 25 BHCs completed the pre-module self-assessment. Results represented a diverse range of answers, with the majority of BHCs reporting moderate comfort and familiarity in assessing and treating substance use disorders. The final data collection and analysis will be completed in May 2022. Conclusion(s) At this time, BILH CoCM BHCs have completed 2/3 lectures in the training module. We anticipate that BHCs will self-assess an improvement in overall comfort and knowledge in assessing and treating substance use disorders in the context of CoCM. BHCs are expected to report a change in their patient engagement practices and treatment planning. This training module may prove essential in building provider capability in the treatment of substance use disorders within primary care. There is an opportunity to continue to assess gaps in provider knowledge, and enhance continuing education with periodic provider surveys and training expansion. References NIDA. (2022, February 25). COVID-19 & Substance Use. Ornell, F et al. The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on substance use Implications for prevention and treatment. 2020;Psychiatry research;2020289. Copyright © 2022