SBIRT Implementation in Primary Care Practice

What is SBIRT? Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment

is a screening tool used by healthcare providers to
quickly evaluate a patient’s risk factors for substance
use disorders, and appropriately provide resources and
initiate motivation from within the patient’s own values
and beliefs toward positive behavior change.

Clinical use of SBIRT SBIRT implementation began 3 years ago at Loyola

Center for Health at Elmwood Park and has extended
to primary care clinics in Maywood, Bellwood, Oak Park,
River Park and South Side Chicago.

How does it work? A variety of tools are used to engage the patient and
assess their readiness for change. Patients can
complete the survey in the waiting room prior to the
visit. Counseling is then provided during the visit
according to risk level, individual beliefs and needs of
the patient. If the initial screen, TAPS (Tobacco, Alcohol,
Prescription medications and Other Substances) is
positive, more specific screening tools such as AUDIT
(Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and/or
DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test) can be used for
further assessment before counseling.

Challenges in Implementation
Tracking data such as follow up, success rates, coding
and billing through EHR (ex: EPIC). Providing data to
administrative leadership showing sustainable return
on investment for the health system with SBIRT
implementation. Finding support through community
that will champion the change to continue moving
forth in its success.

What does the literature say?
Studies have shown that even a 5-minute intervention
using the SBIRT model in the medical setting can
reduce risky behavior and health related diseases and
increase patient’s motivation toward positive behavior
change. The utility of SBIRT, outcomes and follow-up
metrics need further development and integration into
EHR, where data can be readily tracked and analyzed.

SBIRT@LUC Training Program

For more information, please visit
https://www.luc.edu/socialwork/resources-initiatives/sbirtluctrainingprogram/