Brief intervention content matters

Jim Mccambridge

doi:10.1111/dar.12044

Abstract

Brief intervention content matters

Highlights

For more than 30 years, there have been concerted efforts internationally to develop the evidence base for brief interventions in general practice [1].The choice of this setting reflected strategic judgements about where in health systems heavy drinking and alcohol problems were likely to be most encountered and where these interventions may be optimally delivered
The Screening and Intervention Programme for Sensible drinking (SIPS) authors conclude that the control condition: ‘screening followed by simple feedback and written information may be the most appropriate strategy to reduce hazardous and harmful drinking in primary care’ [4]
The advice intervention covers similar material providing additional tips on planning and the benefits of cutting down after being shown that drinking exceeded the majority of the population, without having further dedicated content on decision making, i.e. whether one should cut down [7].This was based on the Drink-Less material developed approximately 20 years ago, and in SIPS one hour training in delivery was given [7]

Summary

Introduction

For more than 30 years, there have been concerted efforts internationally to develop the evidence base for brief interventions in general practice [1].The choice of this setting reflected strategic judgements about where in health systems heavy drinking and alcohol problems were likely to be most encountered and where these interventions may be optimally delivered. Attention to the detailed content of the evaluated interventions and consideration of their relationship to the existing general practice literature is necessary for interpreting study findings. Following screening in SIPS, leaflet delivery was accompanied by the standard script reproduced in Box 1 (interested readers are strongly encouraged to examine the study website [7] for detailed information on all interventions).

Results

Conclusion