A Web-based intervention used in general practice for people with excessive alcohol consumption

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Public health
• General practice

Background:

• Hazardous drinking is a significant public health concern.
• Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption.
• Web-based interventions offer a scalable approach to address hazardous drinking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot the feasibility and usefulness of "Down Your Drink," a web-based brief intervention for hazardous drinkers.
• To explore the potential integration of such digital tools within primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• A web-based platform, "Down Your Drink," was developed, offering the Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST).
• Positive responders were enrolled in a six-week interactive web-based program.
• A pilot study tracked registrations and program completion over a six-month period.
• Two focus groups were conducted with general practitioners (GPs) to assess perceived utility in primary care.

Main Results:

• 1319 individuals registered for the program during the six-month study.
• 62% (815) completed the first week, while only 6% (79) completed the full six-week program.
• Website usage peaked between 10:00 and 14:00.
• GPs expressed interest in using the website as a supplementary intervention tool.

Conclusions:

• Web-based interventions for hazardous drinkers are feasible in general practice.
• While initial uptake is promising, sustained engagement with the program remains a challenge.
• Digital tools like "Down Your Drink" may serve as a valuable addition to existing primary care interventions for excessive alcohol consumption.