Changes in knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in BSN students after SBIRT education and practice in home health

Substance Use Disorders (SUD) have detrimental effects on US population's health, healthcare system, and economy. Nursing knowledge gaps in SUD justifies need for nursing education in screening for SUD. Purposes include examining differences in:•knowledge, and attitude and beliefs related to Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) based on sociodemographic characteristics•received BSN education on substance misuse and motivational interviewing•prior work or internship in a healthcare agency. This single-group, pretest-posttest study of 488 BSN students who completed education for integrating SBIRT into home assessments. Instruments included a demographics’ survey, SBIRT Knowledge instrument, and Substance Abuse and Attitude Survey (SAAS). Descriptive statistics using analysis of variance (ANOVA) models and paired-sample t-tests were employed to analyze data. Successful identification of knowledge and attitudes significantly improved after BSN education and revealed specific areas for future research. No significant differences in knowledge, and attitudes and beliefs based on gender, race, and ethnicity were found. Understanding educational interventions' influence on knowledge and attitudes and beliefs of BSN students toward clients may have a significant effect on quality of care. Positive findings support students SBIRT education. Integrating SBIRT education and practice provides knowledge and attitudinal enhancements for SUD care and supports population and public health initiatives. •BSN students' knowledge and attitudes and beliefs significantly improved after SBIRT education.•Applying SBIRT and motivational interviewing is a novel approach in home assessment.•Early identification of at-risk behaviors for Substance Use Disorder in the home setting•Integrating SBIRT education into nursing practica supports population and community health.