SBIRT
Also written as: SBIRT — Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment framework for addressing substance use in adolescent healthcare settings.
Full Definition
SBIRT is an evidence-based practice framework that integrates screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for substance use disorders into routine healthcare settings. The approach is particularly valuable in adolescent medicine as it provides a systematic method for identifying and addressing substance use before it progresses to severe addiction. Screening involves validated tools to assess alcohol and drug use patterns, brief intervention provides motivational interviewing techniques to encourage behavior change, and referral to treatment connects high-risk patients with specialized services. SBIRT is designed to be implemented by healthcare providers in primary care settings and has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing substance use among adolescents. The framework emphasizes a non-judgmental, patient-centered approach that respects adolescent developmental stages and autonomy.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from specific screening tools like CRAFFT, which is one component of the SBIRT framework.
In Context
- "The clinic implemented SBIRT protocols for all adolescent patients aged 12 and older." — Quality improvement initiative
- "SBIRT training helped providers develop skills in addressing adolescent substance use." — Educational program description