The Concept of SBIRT”H”: Incorporating Harm Reduction Strategies Into the SBIRT Model-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The session "The Birth of SBIRT-H: Incorporating Harm Reduction Strategies into the SBIRT Model" was moderated by Michael Weaver, a Psychiatry Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, with co-presenters Dr. Namrata Walia and Dr. Daryl Shorter. The session explored how harm reduction strategies can be incorporated into the SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) model. Dr. Shorter emphasized harm reduction's long historical background, tracing its development alongside medication-assisted treatments for opioid use disorders. The incorporation of harm reduction in clinical practice was highlighted as beneficial in recognizing the multifaceted nature of substance use and was shown to increase patient trust by aligning care with patient goals, even if abstinence isn't immediately achievable. <br /><br />The session outlined various harm reduction strategies, using SBIRT as a framework, and addressed ethical considerations central to harm reduction, including respect for patient autonomy and the ethical duty to do good. It also highlighted real-world application strategies like opioid overdose reversions with naloxone and engaging patients through needle exchange programs while being aware of legal constraints. Challenges in tackling this area were acknowledged, such as patients' altered judgment during substance use affecting the efficacy of educational efforts. Audience interaction via questions addressed pragmatic approaches like meeting patients where they are and emphasizing safe usage rather than urging immediate abstinence. The session closed by encouraging collaborative discussion on harm reduction, integrating legal knowledge, and community resources into practice.

Keywords

SBIRT-H

harm reduction

Michael Weaver

Namrata Walia

Daryl Shorter

opioid use disorders

medication-assisted treatment

patient trust

naloxone

needle exchange programs

ethical considerations

substance use