An Interprofessional Model for Teaching Medical Students to Provide Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment for Substance Misuse

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based method to identify, reduce, and prevent the harmful use of alcohol and illicit substances. However, SBIRT remains underused by physicians and other healthcare providers. Integrating interprofessional SBIRT training in medical curricula may better prepare future providers to care for patients with substance use disorders.The authors report the development and outcomes of a longitudinal, interprofessional SBIRT curriculum organized in partnership with health professions' schools in nursing, pharmacy, and social work. Primary results: From October 2015 to April 2017, 1,327 students were trained in SBIRT, resulting in the screening of 4,520 individuals and interventions in 897 individuals. 553 (42%) trainees were medical students, providing 3,330 (74%) screenings and 412 (46%) interventions.These initial data demonstrate the feasibility of including SBIRT in undergraduate medical curricula. Broadly implemented, SBIRT training offers potential to normalize its practice as part of standard, evidenced-based patient care.