Implementation of a computerized alcohol advice concept in routine emergency care

BackgroundThere 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).AimThe 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsForty-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.ConclusionA 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.