The Injury Prevention Center at Rhode Island Hospital

Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

Addressing Barriers to SBIRT Implementation

Trauma surgeons and emergency department nurses [45] have identified several barriers to implementation: lack of resources and training, no perceived benefit of alcohol intervention, lack of patient acceptance and lack of time. However, techniques exist to overcome these barriers. Training is not difficult and can be done with little time investment. It can be done with many different kinds of healthcare workers and other professionals.

Further, in January 2008 the American Medical Association and the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved new billing codes which allow providers to bill for alcohol screening and brief intervention services.

Current Topic: Addressing Barriers to SBIRT Implementation

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