Implementation of a computerized alcohol advice concept in routine emergency care
Received 14 July 2008; received in revised form 7 November 2008; accepted 21 November 2008.
Abstract
Background
There is a growing body of evidence for computer-generated advice for many health behaviours. This study evaluated the implementation of a computerized concept to provide tailored advice on alcohol in a Swedish emergency department (ED).
Aim
The aim was to evaluate the usage of the concept over 12 months: participation rate among the ED population; representativeness of the participants; and participation development over time.
Methods
The target population was defined as all patients aged 18–69 years given a card from ED triage staff with a request to conduct a computerized test about their alcohol use. After completing the 5–10-min programme, the patient received a printout, containing personalised alcohol habit feedback, as calculated by the computer from the patient’s answers. Data for this study were primarily obtained from the computer programme and ED logs.
Results
Forty-one percent of the target population completed the computerized test and received tailored alcohol advice. The number of patients who used the concept showed a slight decreasing trend during the first half of the year, leveling off for the second half of the year.
Conclusion
A computerized concept for provision of alcohol advice can be implemented in an ED without unrealistic demands on staff and with limited external support to attain sustainability.
ABSTRACT