After reviewing this page, be sure to go back to the Activity page using the long, blue-green clickable button above, and look for a similar button for the next instructions.
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Goal: The learner will be able to appropriately screen for and identify substance abuse, plan and implement a tailored brief intervention, and will apply the SBI approach to substance abuse problems by individualizing these clinical skills to different patients.
Professional Practice GapsApproximately 20 to 25% of primary care patients are likely to have a current substance use problem or health problem related to tobacco, alcohol, or drug use (Madras et al., 2009; Pilowsky & Wu, 2012). Providing components of screening, brief interventions, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) to all patients is effective in reducing alcohol, drug, and tobacco use (Agerwala & McCance-Katz, 2012; Pilowsky & Wu, 2012). Brief intervention in primary care is an effective and cost-efficient approach to reduce patients' alcohol use (Seale et al., 2010; Madras et al., 2009). SBIRT was originally designed for patients with alcohol and tobacco use, but there is growing evidence that brief intervention for illicit drug use may also lead to positive patient outcomes (Compton, 2009). Unfortunately, PCPs screen less than half of their patients for tobacco use and less than a third for alcohol use (Roche & Freeman, 2004; Seale et al., 2010). Brief interventions happen even less often than screening (NDCP, 2008). In patients who screened positive for substance use, less than 75% received a brief intervention. A lack of adequate training is the most frequently reported barrier to screening and brief intervention (Le et al., 2015). Appropriate follow-up is also happening less often as well (D'Amico et al., 2005). Only 48% of people with excessive alcohol use reported receiving follow-up, with most simply being told to "stop drinking". There is also a practice gap in referral to treatment. Less than one-fifth of PCPs make a referral after screening positively for substance abuse or risky substance use (Madras et al., 2009). Primary care physicians need to understand the different types of specialty treatment so that they can make appropriate referrals for their substance abuse patients (SAMHSA, 1997).
Educational Objectives:
After completing this activity participants will be able to:Select and utilize tobacco, alcohol, and drug use screening tools with patients.
Perform brief interventions for tobacco and substance use problems with patients.
Follow-up with and reassess patients who receive treatment for substance abuse or tobacco use
Apply the SBIRT approach to substance use problems at a comprehensive and integrated level by individualizing screening and brief interventions for different patients.
Authors
As an ACCME accredited provider of continuing medical education, Clinical Tools, Inc.requires everyone who is in a position to control the content of an educational activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest to the provider. The ACCME defines 'relevant' financial relationships as financial relationships in any amount occurring within the past 12 months that create a conflict of interest. Any conflicts of interest are resolved prior to the delivery of the educational activity to the learner. CTI does not permit individuals with financial conflicts of interest to participate in any stage of activity development.Reviewers
Most Recent Reviews
CTI Content Review: Thu, 1/5/2017CTI Editorial Review: Mon, 1/9/2017
Modules in this Training Activity
SBIRT: Brief and Effective Screening for Hazardous Substance Use
SBIRT: Brief Intervention and Other Treatments
SBIRT: Referral to Treatment & Follow-up Care
SBIRT: In Practice
Audience and Accreditation
Primary care providers and counselors
Activity Credit: Obtaining credit for participation in this activity requires that you complete the pre-assessments, work through the modules (including all in-module interactive activities), complete the post-assessments with a 70% score on the post-test, and then request credit. At the end of the activity, you will be instructed on how to print out a certificate for your records.
Time Requirement: Keep track of the amount of time it takes you to complete this activity. You will be required to spend a set amount of time in order to claim credit. You should claim credit only for the time actually spent in the activity.
Technical Requirement: To participate in this activity, you will need a computer, an Internet connection, and a Web browser. This activity requires Chrome, Firefox, and IE7 or higher.
Training Activity References