Evaluating the Project
Interpretation of results
The vulnerable population of Miami City requires increased support from local support resources to deal with the problem of substance abuse. The project has pointed out the importance of developing a new solution or a community resource that would result in a broader adherence among the population. These are phone-based interventions that are greatly available for the entire community because of the increased accessibility and affordability.
Overall experience with the project
The project was significant for studying the impact of substance use on the population in order to determine individuals at risk, increase the awareness on the need for screening and identification, suggest potential options for screening, as well as refer for further treatment if required.
While Miami City has community clinics and mental health institutions that could help at-risk individuals manage their substance abuse, they are usually reached through a referral, but the degree of adherence to the treatment offered in such facilities.
Summary of the outcomes
The project has pointed to the importance of conducting universal annual screenings of the target community due to the lack of awareness of the substance abuse problem. Vulnerable populations, such as adolescents as well as low-income individuals, are more likely to experience challenges with alcohol abuse because of the lack of support directed to their education and the promotion of positive health and behavior choices (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016).
Phone as a community resource has shown to be a positive method that can be widely applied in managing the problem associated with substance abuse. This community resource is affordable and could be used for free in any setting and circumstance, which could contribute to the wide adherence of the target population to the intervention. Since there is no requirement to pay for the intervention, it is likely that the overall response will be positive. However, in order for the intervention to show consistent results, there is an increased need to increase the numbers of healthcare providers and counselors who would communicate with at-risk individuals on the phone and offer support, education, and guidance associated with overcoming the challenge of excessive substance use.
Barriers in the project
The sampling and data collection procedures implemented in the project may have affected survey outcomes. The sample could not be fully randomized, which led to bias in the selection of participants of the research. The limitations in randomization were attributed to the lack of interest to participate, especially in the younger demographic group.
Implications for future practice
Alcohol use is a persistent issue that requires attention from healthcare providers who are the most likely to encounter individuals with an abuse issue within the practice setting. With the help of the SBIRT framework, it is possible to assess the potential risks for excessive and dangerous alcohol use within the Miami City Community. Since the identified setting is an urban area where alcohol is widely available, there is a need to raise awareness of the problem by encouraging the public and the healthcare community to implement effective prevention efforts. In particular, the nursing practice is challenged by the need to promote healthy behaviors in the population while addressing potential substance abuse.
In Miami City, teenagers are at a particularly high risk of developing alcohol use disorder (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019). More efforts should be implemented into screening and surveying this at-risk population to identify potentially harmful behaviors associated with the excessive use of alcohol. Surveys and motivation interviews may be used for data collection and risk identification within the community.
References
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2019). Behavioral health barometer, volume 5. Web.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Facing addiction in America: The surgeon general’s report on alcohol, drugs, and health. Web.