A briefing paper has been released exploring the barriers and challenges to implementing routine alcohol brief interventions (or 'IBA') across England. The paper also explores whether the 'lifestyles agenda' - a wider focus on all health behaviours - offers an opportunity or threat to mainstreaming alcohol brief interventions.
Download the report 'Brief interventions: achieving widespread delivery? Opportunities and challenges for the further delivery of alcohol ‘Identification & Brief Advice’ (IBA) across England' [pdf]
The briefing follows a recent Alcohol Academy event and outlines much of the discussion on the day. The event looked at delivering brief interventions across a range of settings. Findings from the SIPS trial in Primary Care, A&E and Criminal Justice settings were also presented, although the official reports are yet to be released.
Speakers and audience members agreed overall that the 'lifestyle agenda' presented an important opportunity for integrating alcohol, particularly given the strong links between unhealthy behaviours and universality of health behaviour intervention approaches. However concern that alcohol specific tools or advice might be 'left-off' need to be carefully considered, especially given the efficacy for alcohol specific interventions.
The need to address practical and commissioning barriers were also raised. The implementation of IBA within Primary Care is still regarded as patchy or lacking, despite national incentive schemes. Many non-alcohol workers who should routinely deliver IBA may need further support, training or resources to be confident in asking about alcohol use. Whilst many areas are making progress, the paper calls on commissioners and public health leads to sustain and build on what has been achieved.
See here for further information and resources on IBA, including an e-learning course and a previous Academy briefing paper on 'Clarifying brief interventions'. Local DES implementation guidance is available, as is NICE alcohol guidance.
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