Six-month follow-up of computerized alcohol screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment in the emergency department

Subst Abus. 2011 Jul;32(3):144-52. doi: 10.1080/08897077.2011.562743.

Abstract

The goal of this observational study was to measure change in alcohol consumption at 6 months following emergency department computerized alcohol screening brief intervention (CASI) and referral to treatment (ED-SBIRT) with integrated brief negotiated interview (BNI) and computer-generated personal alcohol reduction plans. At-risk patients received a BNI by CASI, including personalized feedback, assessment of readiness to change, reasons for cutting down, goal setting, and a printed personal alcohol reduction plan. Alcohol use was assessed by telephone interview 6 months after CASI. Factors associated with lower alcohol consumption were examined. Of the 385 participants who completed the BNI, were consented, and enrolled, 221 subjects completed the 6-month follow-up interview. Forty-seven percent of the study sample of at-risk patients were no longer drinking over the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)-recommended limits. Reductions were greater for patients with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores of 1 to 7. Readiness to change was a good predictor of drinking below the recommended limits. The use of computerized ED-SBIRT with integrated personalized messaging and BNI holds promise as a viable screening and intervention modality for a wide range of emergency department patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alcohol Drinking / therapy*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychotherapy, Brief / methods*
  • Referral and Consultation*
  • Substance Abuse Detection / methods*
  • Therapy, Computer-Assisted / methods*