Embedding brief interventions for alcohol in general practice: a study protocol for the REACH Project feasibility trial

Elizabeth Sturgiss*, Nilakshi Gunatillaka, Lauren Ball, Tina Lam, Suzanne Nielsen, Renee O’Donnell, Chris Barton, Helen Skouteris, Chun Wah Michael Tam, David Jacka, Danielle Mazza, Grant Russell

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
7 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: 

Alcohol is a major source of harm in Australia that disproportionately affects low-income communities. Alcohol brief interventions (ABIs) combine an assessment of a person’s alcohol use with advice to reduce health risks. Despite their effectiveness, ABIs are not routinely performed by clinicians. This article presents a protocol for a feasibility trial of pragmatic implementation strategies and a new set of resources to support clinicians to complete ABIs in Australian general practices. 

Aim: 

To explore the facilitators and barriers to increasing the uptake of ABIs in primary care, including acceptability, reach, adoption, fidelity, and sustainability. 

Design & setting: 

A mixed-methods evaluation of the uptake of ABIs in general practice clinics serving low-i ncome communities in Melbourne, Australia. The approach is informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Normalisation Process Theory (NPT). 

Method:

The implementation strategies and resources will be trialled in five general practices over 12 months. The primary outcome will be change in the proportion of adult patients with a complete alcohol history in their electronic medical records. Baseline data collection includes a practice survey to describe practice routines for ABIs and de- identified patient medical record data on completed alcohol histories (repeated at 3, 6, 9, and 12-months post-intervention). Survey and interview data will also be collected from clinicians, patients, and primary health network staff to assess acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. 

Conclusion: 

The study will explore how the implementation strategies and resources can improve alcohol screening and management among low-income patients in general practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-7
Number of pages7
JournalBJGP Open
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2021
Externally publishedYes

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