Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Monday, July 25, 2011

Behavioural interventions most effective for higher risk drinkers, NWPHO report shows


A report from the North West Public Health Observatory (NWPHO) demonstrates brief interventions for alcohol are the most cost effective, followed by interventions for smoking, sexual health and physical activity.

Changing Health Choices - A review of the cost-effectiveness of individual level behaviour change interventions

Key findings include:

  • The cost-effectiveness of brief interventions is strongest for interventions among high risk drinkers.
  • The average costs of an intervention differ depending on the duration of the intervention, which health professional delivers it and the topic covered. For example, an intervention delivered by a GP is around double the cost of that delivered by a nurse, in terms of salary costs
  • Training for nurses and other health professionals to undertake more brief interventions could therefore potentially lead to real cost savings or increased efficiencies. This is providing it can be shown that they are equally as effective as GPs in delivering these interventions, and that other costs (such as administration) are not increased. > > > > Read More