Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) implementation models and work flow processes: commonalities and variations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsored a cross-site evaluation of the grantees of their Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) program for alcohol and other drugs funded in 2008. As part of this evaluation, the cross-site evaluation team was tasked with understanding the implementation and service delivery protocols and work flow processes related to SBIRT service delivery. SBIRT programs have been implemented in a variety of different settings and performance sites, and each has adjusted the flow of SBIRT services to meet the needs of the particular setting. This presentation will focus on the variations in SBIRT program activities and work flow by three performance site types: (1) Emergency Departments; (2) Inpatient Hospitals; and (3) Outpatient Clinics. Descriptions of the service providers involved in the various SBIRT service components are presented.