2049. Beliefs About Evidence-Based Practices in Addiction Treatment
Mark L Willenbring, MD, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VAMC, D Kivlahan, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VAMC, J Finney, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VAMC, M Kenny, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VAMC, A Postier, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VAMC, H Hagedorn, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VAMC, M Grillo, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VAMC

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine VA substance use disorders (SUD) treatment program leaders’ knowledge, attitudes, and current behaviors related to evidence-based practices and practice guidelines for SUDs.

Methods: Within the VA, a total of 220 distinct programs were identified as providers of SUD services. 195-item surveys were mailed to identified leaders of these programs. The overall response rate was 79%.

Results: Program leaders were somewhat familiar with existing practice guidelines. A large majority of program leaders agreed that practice guidelines are useful in improving quality of care, are a helpful educational tool and a convenient source of advice, and can be implemented into existing programs. Program leaders ranked lack of administrative support, insufficient staff time, and lack of staff skill and knowledge as the most important barriers to implementing practice guidelines. Staff training, easy access to guidelines in the clinical setting, and pocket cards were the most strongly endorsed strategies for successful implementation of practice guidelines.

Conclusions: VA SUD program leaders endorsed general agreement with stated practice guideline benefits and disagreement with guideline criticisms. However, respondents were not very familiar with existing SUD practice guidelines, suggesting that existing guidelines may not have been disseminated effectively.

Impact: Program leaders are open to using practice guidelines but require efficient methods of learning and accessing guidelines. Education is necessary but not sufficient. Facilitation of implementation with computer reminders, clinical pathways, and pocket cards are likely to be necessary as well.