Using computer tools to help doctors screen for underage drinking in kids

Computer-facilitated Screening and Brief Intervention in pediatric primary care to reduce underage drinking: a large multi-site randomized trial

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10808929

This study is looking at how using a computer to help teens answer questions about drinking can make it easier for doctors to talk to them about alcohol during their check-ups, helping to keep young people safe and healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10808929 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a computer-facilitated screening and brief intervention (cSBI) can be used in pediatric primary care settings to identify and address underage drinking among adolescents. The approach involves adolescents completing a self-administered screening questionnaire on a computer before their doctor visit, allowing for timely and effective counseling. The study will be conducted across multiple pediatric practices to assess the effectiveness of this method in improving alcohol screening and intervention rates. By focusing on well-visits, the research aims to integrate alcohol use discussions into routine healthcare for adolescents.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents visiting pediatric primary care offices for routine check-ups.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not visit pediatric primary care offices may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early identification and intervention for underage drinking, potentially reducing alcohol-related issues in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using similar screening and intervention approaches in adult populations, but this specific application for adolescents is less tested.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-13 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.