Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) education of residential care nursing staff: Impact on staff and residents.

Approximately 40% of older adults drink alcohol. Older adults living in community care residences are a vulnerable population at risk for alcohol use related problems especially for those age 65 years and older who are taking medications, have health problems, and have risky alcohol consumption. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach for individuals at risk for alcohol use disorders. A quality improvement project evaluated SBIRT education effects on nursing staff knowledge and attitudes related to alcohol use, and resident alcohol use. The staffs' SBIRT knowledge and alcohol related attitudes increased significantly. The staff documented SBIRT intervention 231 times in three months' post training.