Using SBIRT (Screen, Brief Intervention, and Referral Treatment) Training to Reduce the Stigmatization of Substance Use Disorders Among Students and Practitioners

Abstract

Negative attitudes and stigmatization of substance-using patients lead to treatment avoidance and poor physical and health outcomes. Research suggests that training in substance use disorders is a vital tool to abate negative attitudes among health workers. The present longitudinal study trained students and experienced practitioners from various disciplines on the evidence-based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model. The study found significant improvements in the attitudes of students—but not practitioners—who were trained during the program. The paper discusses policy and implementation implications to support and complement sustained impact of training on models such as SBIRT.

Stigma Against Patients With Substance Use Disorders Among Health Care Professionals and Trainees and Stigma-Reducing Interventions: A Systematic Review

“…Two studies found reductions in stigma, 34,47 whereas 1 study found no change 38 . In 3 studies that used multiple stigma scales or looked at stigma against multiple conditions, findings were mixed between SUD and stigma scales 30,35,36 …”

“…Perceived Dangerousness Scale (measures perceived level of threat the described individuals pose to themselves and others) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OUD 12 weeks Reduced - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mahmoud et al, 35 2018 Pre-post Nursing students (n = 49) AUD 12 weeks Reduced - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OUD 12 weeks Reduced PSAS (measures perceived stigma in society or knowledge of stereotypes) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gomez et al, 30 2023…”

“…Nurse practitioners (n = 134) SUD NA MCRS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gomez et al, 30 2023…”

“…Pre-post studies with SBIRT training as the intervention (6 studies) found mixed results among trainees (and in 1 study with HCPs). 30,[34][35][36]38,47 Two studies found reductions in stigma, 34,47 whereas 1 study found no change. 38 In 3 studies that used multiple stigma scales or looked at stigma against multiple conditions, findings were mixed between SUD and stigma scales.…”

“…Most of the intervention studies (13 of 15) used a single-group, pre-post design with the pretest given immediately before the intervention and the posttest conducted within a month; 5 studies reported a longer-term posttest follow-up of 12 weeks to 1 year after the intervention. 30,35,36,46 There were 2 RCTs. 27,32…”