Computer-facilitated intervention to prevent adolescent substance use in primary care

Computer-facilitated Screening and Brief Intervention (cSBI) in Pediatric Primary Care to Reduce Underage Drinking: a Large, Multi-site Randomized Trial

Not applicable Interventional Boston Children's Hospital · NCT04450966

This study is testing a computer program that helps doctors talk to teens about alcohol use to see if it can reduce risky drinking among 14 to 17-year-olds.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment406 (estimated)
Ages14 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Itasca, Illinois and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04450966 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-facilitated Screening and Brief Intervention (cSBI) system delivered by pediatric primary care clinicians to reduce unhealthy alcohol use and related risks among adolescents aged 14-17. Conducted within the American Academy of Pediatrics' national primary care research network, the trial will involve over 600 U.S. primary care practices. Adolescents will complete a self-administered screening prior to their well-visit, followed by interactive psychoeducational sessions. The study addresses a critical evidence gap in adolescent alcohol screening and intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 14-17 who report any lifetime alcohol use or have ridden with a driver under the influence in the past year.

Not a fit: Patients in foster care or those currently receiving treatment for substance use concerns may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce alcohol use and improve safety among adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar approaches, but this specific intervention is designed to fill a notable evidence gap in adolescent care.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 14-17
* Presenting for well-visit with participating clinician
* Reports any lifetime alcohol use
* If no lifetime alcohol use, reports riding with a driver under the influence in the past 12 months
* Has own cell phone and is willing to share cell phone number before their scheduled visit
* Completes required pre-visit activity/activities before well visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Youth in foster care
* Unable to read and communicate in English
* Unable to complete follow-ups
* Currently receiving treatment from specialty clinician(s) for a substance use concern
* Deemed by their clinician to be inappropriate for study participation due to neurodevelopmental delays or medical/emotional concerns

Where this trial is running

Itasca, Illinois and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Heavy DrinkingDriving Under the InfluenceRiding with Driver Under the Influence
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.