The effect of inpatient addiction screening and intervention on readmissions

The number of individuals in the United States (US) needing treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) but not receiving treatment at a specialty facility was reported to be almost 18 million in 2019. This study measured the difference in subsequent hospital visits between groups, one receiving screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) and one receiving usual care.

There are studies that discuss SBIRT in terms of process evaluation, staff training, reduced readmission rates, and self-reported reductions in substance use. However, the interrelationship between components of SBIRT implementation, such as feasibility, cost, and sustainability need additional investigation. This study compared readmissions between groups receiving SBIRT counseling (n = 101) and those receiving usual care (n = 99).

The overall total number of subsequent visits for SUD for the group receiving SBIRT (53) was significantly lower than for the group receiving usual care (128). The overall total number of non-SUD subsequent visits was not significantly different between groups. The study also identified differences between sexes that require further investigation.

The findings of this study demonstrate a measure of difference based on SBIRT intervention. The SBIRT program can be incorporated into daily practice in the acute care setting through nursing education and utilization of the electronic health platform.