The feasibility and acceptability of introducing brief intervention for alcohol misuse in an urban aboriginal medical service

TitleThe feasibility and acceptability of introducing brief intervention for alcohol misuse in an urban aboriginal medical service
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsBrady, M, Sibthorpe, B, Bailie, R, Ball, S, Sumnerdodd, P
JournalDrug and Alcohol Review
Volume21
Pagination375-380
Date PublishedDec
Publication Languageeng
ISBN Number0959-5236 (Print)0959-5236 (Linking)
Accession Number12537708
Keywords*Behavior, *Urban Health, *Urban Health Services, Alcoholism/*epidemiology/prevention & control/psychology, Health Personnel/psychology/statistics & numerical data, Humans, Oceanic Ancestry Group/psychology, Pilot Projects
Abstract

We report on the feasibility and perceived acceptability of brief motivational interviewing for hazardous alcohol use in an urban Aboriginal health service. General practitioners (GPs) were trained in brief motivational interviewing, and health workers in other aspects of the intervention. Screening was initially carried out using the AUDIT, but subsequently reduced to two simple questions. Information was obtained through a combination of participant observation by the study team, ongoing ad hoc review and feedback from staff, periodic group meetings, and one-on-one interviews with health workers and GPs. The AUDIT was felt to be intrusive and some questions were poorly understood. Brief intervention seemed to be culturally appropriate, but barriers to wider administration included lack of time and the complexity of patients' presenting health problems. As a result of the research there was an increase in general awareness and acceptability of addressing alcohol issues at the health service. This study raises a number of issues that both support and threaten the wide implementation of brief intervention in urban Aboriginal primary care settings.

URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=12537708
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