Abstract
BackgroundAlcohol use is a major public health concern associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Health professionals in primary care commonly see patients with a range of alcohol-related risks and problems, providing an ideal opportunity for screening and brief intervention (BI).ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a prototype for a Web-based tool for use by primary care health professionals (eg, doctors and nurses) to communicate alcohol harm risk to their patients and to engage with them regarding ways this risk could be reduced.MethodsFollowing conceptualization and development of prototype wireframes, formative work and pretesting were undertaken. For the formative work, focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted with potential end users of the risk communication tool, including health professionals and consumers. The focus groups and interviews explored perceptions of alcohol risk communication and obtained feedback on the initial prototype. For pretesting, participants (primary care doctors and nurses) completed a Web-based survey followed by a period of pretesting before completion of a follow-up survey. The study was designed to gain feedback on the tool’s performance in real-world settings as well as its relevance, ease of use, and any suggested refinements.ResultsIn the formative work stage, 11 key informants and 7 consumers participated in either focus groups or individual interviews. Participants were very positive about the prototype and believed that it would be useful and acceptable in practice. Key informants identified that the key point of difference with the tool was that it provided all the pieces in 1 place (ie, assessment, interpretation, and resources to support change). Participants provided feedback on how the tool could be improved, and these suggestions were incorporated into the prototype where possible. In the pretesting stage, 7 people (5 doctors and 2 primary care nurses) completed the pretesting. Participants reported that the tool provided a useful framework for an intervention, that it would be acceptable to patients, that it was easy to use, that they would be likely to use it in practice, and that there were no technical issues.ConclusionsThe alcohol risk communication tool was found to be acceptable and has the potential to increase the confidence of health professionals in assessing risk and providing BI.
Highlights
BackgroundAlcohol use is a major public health concern associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality [1]
The alcohol risk communication tool was found to be acceptable and has the potential to increase the confidence of health professionals in assessing risk and providing brief intervention (BI)
Health professionals working directly with Māori and Pacific people participated in focus groups and key informant interviews
Summary
BackgroundAlcohol use is a major public health concern associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality [1]. Alcohol-related harm has an enormous impact on the lives and health of New Zealanders [3]. Alcohol screening tools are designed to help practitioners identify people not seeking treatment for alcohol problems but whose alcohol use may be harmful or people who may be at risk of an alcohol use disorder. Assessing alcohol consumption, drinking behaviors, and alcohol-related problems is relatively easy using validated clinical alcohol risk assessment tools such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) [4]. Many practitioners can find it difficult to explain to patients their risk of alcohol-related harm and how small changes can have positive benefits [5,6,7]. Health professionals in primary care commonly see patients with a range of alcohol-related risks and problems, providing an ideal opportunity for screening and brief intervention (BI)
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