Enhancing Patient Care with the Personal Alcohol Management System

One in 7 U.S. adults will face a substance use disorder. Early intervention is crucial. Brandi Fink, Ph.D., a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, created an assessment called Personal Alcohol Management System (PALMS) that helps primary care providers identify and manage alcohol use disorders that patients can fill PALMS on an iPad while waiting for an appointment with their primary care provider to help provide:

• Early Detection: Identifies alcohol issues before they worsen
• Enhanced Discussions: Encourages open conversations about alcohol use
• Improved Outcomes: Helps manage conditions like diabetes and hypertension more effectively
• Patient Honesty: Home assessments lead to more accurate reporting

In the clinical trial, primary care providers reported that PALMS improved their care of patients, and health care administrators appreciated its role in managing high-risk patients. Dr. Fink plans to test the system's effectiveness in reducing drinking and integrate it into electronic health records in the next phase of the trial for easier access via patient portals.

This approach is expected to increase patient honesty about their drinking habits and further improve health outcomes.

PLAMS highlights the importance of the joint clinical, research, and educational missions of OU Health and the University of Oklahoma.

Learn more about PALMS clinical trial from the University of Oklahoma.

OU Researcher Leverages Technology for Alcohol Disorder Interventions in Primary Care