Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Medical Professional

Training:  The UAA Arctic SBIRT Project

**Program Description & Model:**

Arctic SBIRT Training is a project of the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Center for Behavioral Health Research & Services (CBHRS). The goal of the project is to implement systematic, ongoing training and workforce development to address substance misuse and abuse.

Excessive alcohol use is the third leading preventable cause of death (behind tobacco and diet) in the U.S and the number one health concern in Alaska. A recent study conducted by the State of Alaska implicated alcohol use as a causal or contributing factor in nine out of the ten top causes of death. Alaska also ranks first in the United States for alcohol-related costs associated with health, absenteeism, car crashes, violence and other health and social issues. The majority of these costs are incurred by binge drinkers, most of whom are not alcohol dependent.

The Arctic SBIRT Training Project uses the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) Framework to plan and evaluate dissemination and implementation activities for maximum reach, feasibility, fidelity and sustainability of SBIRT within professional courses. Program partners include: 

· UAA College of Health School of Social Work

· UAA College of Health School of Nursing

· UAA College of Health Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center

· UAA College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Psychology

· Alaska Family Medicine Residency program

The project’s objectives are to:

· Adapt and integrate the SBIRT curriculum into existing courses within the nursing, social work and psychology programs and the Alaska Family Medicine Residency. Assure SBIRT education is professionally, regionally, and culturally relevant to Alaska.

· Assure SBIRT practice opportunities through UAA’s Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center, internships, and campus screening events. 

· Establish institutional policies to sustain the inclusion of SBIRT curricula within core courses.

· Develop resources and interdisciplinary training opportunities to expand the reach of SBIRT curricula to a broader number of disciplines and practice settings.

Quantitative and qualitative data will be collected iteratively to understand the process and outcomes of institutionalizing SBIRT into curricula. Implementation methods include a “Plan-Do-Study-Act” approach, in order to pilot, collect data, and refine how SBIRT is integrated into academic and practice curricula.

**Special/Unique Features**

Arctic SBIRT Training is an important component of statewide efforts to reduce risky drinking, alcohol and drug dependence, and prevent alcohol-exposed pregnancies and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders through education and implementation of screening and early intervention within diverse healthcare systems.

The project is supported by an engaged Council of Directors representing State of Alaska’s Prevention and Early Intervention Services and Treatment and Substance Abuse programs, community health care partners such as the State of Alaska’s Public Health Nursing and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and academic program leadership.

**Website**

www.uaa.alaska.edu/sbirt

**Contact Information**

Diane King, Ph.D., Arctic SBIRT Project Director, 907.786.6381, dkking@uaa.alaska.edu