Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) – Education program
“People who use drugs are probably addicted and need a specialist service” – Not true. Most people who use drugs are not addicted. “I can’t treat them with the resources I have available” – You can. For the majority, responding is easy and time-efficient. “We don’t see those kinds of patients in our practice anyway” – A significant proportion of people attending GPs either smoke, drink, or use illicit substances at least sometimes. This program comprises of three activities, but each component is a standalone activity accredited for CPD through RACGP. The sessions are outlined below.Session 1: Responding to alcohol and other drug use in patients: Introductory webinar (foundational information)
The first session is an introductory webinar, which focuses on how to deliver SBIRT for commonly presenting substance use behaviours you see in your everyday practice. Register here.
Sessions dates
- Wednesday 27 September 2023 – 6.30pm-8pm or
- Thursday 5 October 2023 – 6.30pm-8pm
- be able to identify key risks and harms associated with different types of drugs and patterns of use
- have gained insight into and be able to describe various ways that different substances interact with commonly encountered health conditions seen in general practice
- have gained awareness of possible treatment pathways, and the role that screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) tool can play in facilitating behaviour change among patients.
Session 2: Responding to alcohol and other drug use in patients: In-person workshop (experiential)
The second session is an in-person skills-based workshop which focuses on managing resistance to change, with case-based learning around particular substances commonly seen in general practice. The skills learned in the workshop cam be applied to other lifestyle interventions as well, not just substance use. Register here.
Sessions dates
- Cairns – Thursday 19 October 2023 – 5.30pm-8.30pm
- Mackay – Wednesday 25 October 2023 – 5.30pm-8.30pm
- Townsville – Thursday 26 October 2023 – 5.30pm-8.30pm
- understand, through a series of case-based learning scenarios, how and when to enquire about a patient’s substance use in a way that does not raise objection
- gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of common clinical problems, and potential solutions to manage them
- gain increased knowledge and understanding of active referral pathways and processes for managing more complex cases
Session 3: Responding to alcohol and other drug use in patients: Follow-up webinar
The third and final webinar focuses on identifying and responding to commonly encountered barriers to practice implementation. Register here.
Session dates:
- Tuesday 5 December 2023 – time tbcor
- Thursday 7 December 2023 – time tbc
- review learnings from the prior sessions, and discuss how to recognise and respond to challenges during implementation of SBIRT into practice.
Note: Participation in all three sessions results in the full program and access to education points.