Pilot Study to Improve Prescribing of Alcohol Use Disorder Medications in Psychiatric Clinics Using External Facilitation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating an implementation facilitation intervention designed to increase the prescribing of medications for alcohol use disorder MAUD among patients with major mental illness and alcohol use disorder in three psychiatry treatment clinics. This project aims to improve how these medications are prescribed by supporting clinic staff and educating patients, guided by a health services framework. The intervention includes an external facilitator working with internal clinic champions to provide education about MAUD, training on using standardized screening measures, documentation in electronic health records, and weekly audit and feedback for prescribing practices. The facilitators also support weekly care coordination and provide educational materials for patients. Clinics receive expert consultation and the project spans pre-implementation, implementation, and a post-implementation sustainment phase where clinics continue independently. Participants will be involved through their clinics where staff receive training and education, and patients are informed about MAUD options. Researchers will monitor prescribing rates of these medications six months after the implementation phase ends. Formative evaluation activities will occur throughout the project to assess progress and outcomes over time, supporting sustained changes in clinical practice.

External Facilitation to Increase Prescribing of AUD Medications in the Psychiatric Setting