# Implementing an SBIRT Protocol

TIP

# PREPARE

• Educate staff and clinicians about the importance of universal screening and implementing brief interventions for problem gambling.
• Ensure staff are comfortable discussing problem gambling with clients.
• To ensure success, the organization should commit to establishing and maintaining SBIRT for problem gambling as part of your practice.

# PLAN

• Determine how best to incorporate SBIRT into your practice to ensure universal screening.
• Choose the best screening tools for your practice, see ‘Screening’ for more details about screening tools.
• Consider how to conduct screening. Will clients fill out a questionnaire as part of their annual check-up or will a staff member ask the questions?
• Identify the roles of staff in the SBIRT protocol and determine how to optimize flow.
• Compile a current list of organizations and treatment services within your community.

# PILOT

• Piloting the protocol is important to evaluate feasibility of your organization's plan and ensure staff are comfortable with their roles.
• Gather feedback from staff members about their experience with the protocol and use the information gathered to further refine procedures prior to implementation.

# EXECUTE

• See ‘Screening’ for information about executing an SBIRT protocol.

# EVALUATE

• Provide opportunities for staff to give regular feedback about what is working well with SBIRT and what needs improvement.
• Learn from others. Stay current on research about effective gambling screens, interventions, and treatment options. Check in with other organizations about their processes and what is working for them.