Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) implementation in urban underserved family medicine practices.

Abstract

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based practice that provides early integrated intervention and treatment to patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and/or Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Three Primary Care Medical Homes (PCMHs) in North Texas were selected as pilot sites for a SAMHSA grant designed to integrate SBIRT into existing services. The goal of this program is to support the stabilization and community reintegration of individuals who present with SUD by providing them with a continuum of care from screening, to brief intervention, to brief treatment, to referral for more advanced services. Specific aims of the grant included: provide SBIRT services to eligible participants, decrease substance and alcohol use at 6-month follow-up, improve patient physical and behavioral health measured at 6 months, and decrease in emergency department visits and costs for program participants. This brief report examines project design, outlines the implementation strategies, and provides preliminary results.