Sarah Eckermann, PHC RIS
A five minute intervention developed by the World Health Organization has the potential to significantly reduce illicit drug use, and the risks associated with drug use by 30% when linked to drug and alcohol screening.
The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is an eight question screening test developed by World Health Organisation clinical researchers in response to the burden of disease caused by substance use.
The questionnaire screens for problematic or risky use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants, sedatives, hallucinogens, inhalants and opioids. It was devised for use in primary health care settings to detect problems associated with drug use which may otherwise go undetected.
The scores obtained from the ASSIST questionnaire were designed to be linked into a 5-10 minute brief intervention which could be given by the primary care clinician.
The findings from the WHO ASSIST Phase I, II and III studies demonstrate the ASSIST is a feasible, reliable and valid screening questionnaire for use in general practice, community health clinics, mental health settings and across various cultures, and can easily be linked into a brief intervention. “The great benefit of this test and intervention is that the majority of patients who participated saw it as a positive opportunity and reduced their substance use” said Dr Humeniuk, international coordinator.
Dr Humeniuk said, “The ASSIST questionnaire screening and brief intervention is a timely and effective way of identifying and intervening with Australian primary health care patients who use substances in a risky way.”
 This was presented at the recent GP & PHC Research Conference. Rachel's presentation can be found on the PHC RIS website <www.phcris.org.au/conference/browse.php>.
For more information contact:
Dr Rachel Humeniuk
International Coordinator WHO ASSIST Programme WHO Collaborating Centre
E: rachel.humeniuk@adelaide.edu.au
|
print version
email this page
