# What is SBIRT?

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based, public health approach to the early identification and provision of treatment services for individuals engaging in potentially risky health behaviours.

SBIRT is a systematic approach that consists of three core components:

  • Screening
  • Brief Intervention
  • Referral to Treatment.

# Screening

Screening involves a rapid assessment to identify specific unhealthy behaviours. These tests are simple and universal, and can be administered in a variety of settings.

Most people will screen negative after a “brief” screen. Those who screen positive complete a “full” screen to determine their risk level and their healthcare needs.

# Brief Intervention

If a person’s behaviours are identified as risky or problematic, a brief intervention follows. The goal of the brief intervention is to increase the person’s awareness of their risk level and to identify steps towards behavioural change.

Brief interventions consist of a limited conversation between the client and their healthcare provider, to increase the client’s awareness of the consequences related to their behaviours and to enhance their motivation to change their behaviours to be within healthy limits.

A brief intervention is usually indicated for 10 to 20 per cent of people screened.

# Referral to Treatment

Referral to specialized treatment services is provided to clients identified as having the highest level of severity according to the full screen. A brief intervention has been found to have little effect on this group.

A referral is usually necessary for about 3 to 5 per cent of people screened.