Standard Versus Family-Based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Adolescent Substance Use in Primary Care: Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Effectiveness Trial

Standard Versus Family-Based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment for Adolescent Substance Use in Primary Care: Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Effectiveness Trial

ABSTRACT

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for adolescents (SBIRT-A) is recommended for detecting and intervening in alcohol and other drug (AOD) use in pediatric primary care. This trial aims to compare a standard adolescent-only approach (SBIRT-A-Standard) with a more inclusive family-based approach (SBIRT-A-Family) to assess their effectiveness in primary care settings.

METHODS

The study will involve 2300 adolescents and their caregivers in diverse urban pediatric settings. SBIRT-A procedures will be conducted digitally on handheld tablets during a single pediatric visit. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at various follow-up points.

RESULTS

The study is expected to be conducted over a 5-year period, with results anticipated to be published in early 2027.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial aims to address the underuse of SBIRT-A in pediatric primary care and to test the effectiveness of family-based approaches in engaging caregivers in primary care activities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05964010; ClinicalTrials.gov/study/NCT05964010