Implementation of a computerized alcohol advice concept in routine emergency care

There 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).

The 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.

The 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.

Forty-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.

A 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.