Implementing SBIRT for substance use identification and intervention at the initial obstetrical visit
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background Substance use in pregnancy is a substantial public health issue in the United States. Screening for substance use disorder (SUD) in pregnancy has the potential to identify a pregnant individual with SUD, provide brief intervention, and referral to treatment, with the potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.Methods For this quality improvement initiative, screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) was introduced during a staff in-service. Rates of SBIRT were measured and compared to pre-implementation rates. A survey was circulated to providers to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of SBIRT. SBIRT was implemented. An identical survey was circulated post-implementation. Screening for SUD in pregnancy was performed by nursing staff. Brief intervention, and referral to treatment, if applicable, was performed by an obstetrical provider.Results Screening for SUD increased from 88.6% to 93%. There were six positive NIDA screens with no appropriate brief intervention and referral to treatment performed. There was no statistically significant change between pre- and post-implementation surveys of the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of SBIRT.Conclusions The completion of brief intervention and referral to treatment faced obstacles in an outpatient obstetrical setting. Further research is warranted for recommendations to surmount these obstacles.
Source: Journal of Substance Use
Authors: Rebekah Nottingham, Brandi Peachey, Kelly Gallagher, Sandra Halbruner
Institution: Pennsylvania State University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W6908569629
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