Improving alcohol care in primary care settings using standardized measures

Understanding practical alcohol measures in primary care to prepare for measurement-based care: Scaled EHR measures of alcohol use and DSM-5 AUD symptoms

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10688183

This study is looking to improve how doctors spot and help people with unhealthy drinking habits by using simple screening tools, and it involves gathering information from over 250,000 patients to see how well these tools work in everyday healthcare settings.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10688183 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the detection and management of unhealthy alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in primary care by implementing standardized screening measures. By analyzing a large dataset from Kaiser Permanente Washington, the study will evaluate how well these measures perform in routine clinical settings and their impact on patient care. The research involves collecting data from over 250,000 patients, including alcohol screening results and patient-reported AUD symptoms, to better inform treatment decisions and monitor health outcomes over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who attend primary care appointments and may be experiencing unhealthy alcohol use or symptoms of AUD.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or are not engaged in primary care settings may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and treatment of alcohol use disorders in primary care, ultimately enhancing patient health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using standardized measures for alcohol screening in clinical settings, indicating a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.