[Significance of SBIRT and countermeasures for its dissemination]

This article reviews the literatures on screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment(SBIRT). SBIRT is an intervention model that identifies at-risk alcohol users and then provides them a patient-centered intervention. This literatures include publications on advice, intervention, minimal intervention, brief intervention, screening and intervention, and SBIRT. SBIRT evaluation is important for the following reasons. SBIRT is one of the most clinically effective and cost-effective preventive services. SBIRT prevents the progress to alcohol dependence, avoids stigma, treats all spectrums of drinking behavior, is evaluated high by patients and their families, strengthens a positive therapeutic atmosphere in medical settings, and has different importance in different medical settings. Next, we present concrete evidence for the effectiveness of SBIRT. Many clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of SBIRT in primary care, emergency departments, and trauma centers. In addition, we summarize barriers to the dissemination of SBIRT. Of particular importance is the lack of necessary knowledge, skill, financial incentive, time, and structured systems for SBIRT. Therefore, medical treatment fees, recommendation of the medical society, concrete countermeasure, and education of medical staff are important factors related to the dissemination of SBIRT. Finally, we present the costs factors associated with implementing SBIRT for the introduction of medical treatment fees.