Pediatric Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (Pedi-SBIRT)

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach typically implemented in general medical settings to either prevent initiation or reduce risky substance use. Despite broad-based support for SBIRT in primary care, it has not been widely implemented in pediatric primary care. The purpose of this pilot study is to 1) identify existing prevalence of substance use and mental health symptoms, needs and services in pediatric primary care at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG); 2) assess the acceptability and feasibility of implementing SBIRT for adolescents (SBIRT-A) in pediatric primary care at ZSFG; and 3) identify how pediatric primary care might leverage digital health technologies to implement SBIRT-A. Using a mixed-method study design, we will: (1) describe current pediatric mental health and substance use screening, treatment, and referral practices, (2) document the extent to which screening, brief interventions, and referral to treatment are currently taking place, (3) identify important provider and organizational-level factors thought to be critical for the adoption and sustainability of SBIRT-A. Findings will serve to inform and optimize SBIRT-A implementation in ZSFG’s pediatric primary care clinic.