Effects and Durability of an SBIRT Training Curriculum for First-Year MSW Students

Abstract

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based process for identification, prevention, and treatment of alcohol misuse. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an alcohol-focused training on first-year MSW students’ (n = 71) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about SBIRT. Changes in item means were assessed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (critical α = .002). Data indicated a significant and strong main effect for training; perceived competence improved immediately and remained significantly higher 30 days posttraining. Other improvements included knowing what questions to ask patients, ease making alcohol-related statements, and believing that it is rewarding to work with at-risk patients.

KEYWORDS:

• alcohol
• attitudes
• beliefs
• knowledge
• SBIRT
• social work students
• training

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We wish to thank the faculty and students who made this project possible through their kind support and participation.

FUNDING

This investigation and article would not have been possible without financial support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Grant No. 1U79TI025375-01).

Additional information

Funding

This investigation and article would not have been possible without financial support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Grant No. 1U79TI025375-01).