Practice Facilitation to Promote Evidence-based Screening and Management of Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Primary Care

Unhealthy alcohol use is the third most preventable cause of death. Screening and counseling for unhealthy alcohol use is recommended by the USPSTF. Primary care clinicians can deliver this preventive service very effectively with brief interventions, but few patients in need receive care. As part of a national initiative directed by the Surgeon General, six centers were funded to provide practice facilitation to 150 primary care practices throughout Virginia to better implement this preventive service.