Overview
The ASSIST Study is designed to explore whether a brief, evidence based substance use screening and counseling approach can be easily integrated into routine survivorship care at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
During a regularly scheduled psychosocial visit, participants complete the World Health Organization's Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). This short questionnaire helps identify patterns of use related to tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and other substances. Survivors whose results show possible risk receive a brief, supportive counseling session during the same appointment. This session uses motivational interviewing techniques to help individuals reflect on their use and consider steps to reduce potential harm.
Primary Objective:
\- Assess the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a standardized assessment of substance use and brief substance use reduction intervention in survivorship clinical settings.
Secondary Objective:
\- Evaluate the reliability of delivering a brief substance use intervention to reduce substance use behaviors among Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer (ASCC) followed in the (ACT) Clinic.
Description
The ASSIST Study is a pilot study at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital designed to explore whether a brief, evidence-based approach to substance use screening and counseling can be integrated into routine survivorship care for adult survivors of childhood cancer. During a regular visit in the After Completion of Therapy (ACT) Clinic, participants will complete the World Health Organization's ASSIST questionnaire, which identifies potential risks related to alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use. Survivors who show moderate or high risk and are assigned to the intervention group receive a brief counseling session that uses motivational interviewing techniques to support healthy decision making.
This study will enroll 30 adult survivors to evaluate whether this screening and intervention approach is practical, acceptable, and delivered as intended within a busy clinic setting. Participants will also complete a follow up survey three months later to report whether they reduced their substance use. Results from this pilot will help determine whether a larger study should be conducted and may guide future efforts to enhance long term health outcomes for childhood cancer survivors.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Followed in the ACT Clinic at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Greater than or equal to 18 years of age at time of evaluation
- Able to speak and read English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant mental or cognitive impairment that would impact ability to complete surveys or participate in the brief intervention
