Learning Outcomes for Adolescent SBIRT Simulation Training in Social Work and Nursing Education

Abstract

Early alcohol and drug use is linked to a range of immediate and long-term consequences with youth. It is essential that social workers and nurses receive training to recognize and address substance use disorder among adolescents. This article examines the influence of a Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) simulation on students’ attitude, confidence, competency, and readiness to implement the technique in the field with adolescents. A pretestposttest within-subject evaluation design was used to assess change in a series of learning outcomes. Data analyses show that students who completed the simulation reported significant improvement on competency, confidence and readiness related to the SBIRT after completing the training. These data suggest that the simulation provides an effective, one-time intervention to help students increase their confidence and readiness to utilize SBIRT in their future healthcare practice settings.