Electronic Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (e-SBIRT) for Gambling Harm: A Mixed-methods Acceptability Study

Abstract

Gambling harm is a significant public health burden, yet treatment uptake is low. Electronic screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (e-SBIRT) programmes have potential to increase uptake and improve treatment outcomes. However, no studies to date have investigated e-SBIRT in the context of gambling. We conducted a single-arm mixed-methods study of acceptability of e-SBIRT for gambling. Quantitative acceptability was indicated by users’ perceived satisfaction, impact and helpfulness of the e-SBIRT. Qualitative acceptability was explored using semi-structured interviews. Participants (n = 63), pre-screened for gambling severity, reported high levels of satisfaction with the e-SBIRT, found it helpful, and were more likely to seek treatment. Participants with higher gambling severity scores found the e-SBIRT more acceptable and were more likely to seek treatment following the intervention. Qualitative feedback (n = 7) supported the e-SBIRT’s acceptability. The present findings support the acceptability of e-SBIRT for gambling. Further research is required to refine the intervention and examine its effectiveness with those with gambling harm.