A Danish study into universal alcohol screening trials in GPs has found that they did not reduce risky drinking one year on, reports a Drug and Alcohol findings bulletin. Follow-up data sought a year later from 442 patients was compared with that from 464 counterparts in the control group who recieved no intervention and reported that none 'improved to a statistically significant degree relative to control patients'. The report has also claimed that doctors found that screening 'broke the rapport' with patients and that most would not continue delivering screening and brief interventions (SBIs).
However, the bulletin highlights that the study focused on universal screening which is not the common approach to SBIs in the UK where more targeted screenings take place, such as those presenting with a likely related condition. Also, in the UK shorter tools such as FAST are used rather than the comprehensive but longer AUDIT tool used in the Danish study. Studies that have found SBIs effective in primary care settings are acknowledged in the bulletin, including systematic reviews in primary care. The NTA's Review of the Effectiveness for Treatment of Alcohol Problems also highlights in its summary that SBIs are effective in reducing hazardous and harmful consumption in primary care although studies into the longevity of efficacy were needed and that booster sessions may be required.
This is perhaps where the long awaited SIPS research will help to tell us exactly how SBIs should be developed in primary care, following the welcome release earlier this year of a support framework for commissioners in the Alcohol primary Care Service framework.
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