A randomised control trial of brief intervention for harmful alcohol use to reduce alcohol consumption in trauma patients

INTERVENTION: Brief intervention for alcohol use is a validated tool for discussing alcohol use and its potential adverse effects to patients with risky alcohol drinking behaviours. It consists of a brief discussion of alcohol related harms based on a standard proforma and is administered face to face with the patient using one of two trained study investigators. Brief intervention takes no more than 10 minutes to administer per patient. An information booklet and drinking diary is also provided to the patient. The aim is to reduce levels of harmful drinking in patients admitted to hospital due to injuries and have evidence of harmful alcohol consumption based on the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identifiation Test) screening tool. Eligible patients randomised to the study arm will all receive brief intervention in addition to standard clinical care CONDITION: alcohol abuse trauma PRIMARY OUTCOME: Self reported number of standard drinks on average drinking session ; ; This will be assessed using a telephone follow up of patients. A standard survey form will be completed by the study investigators SECONDARY OUTCOME: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score. The AUDIT score categorises patients who are at risk of harmful alcohol use. A score of >8 means a patient has harmful alcohol consumtion levels. ; ; This will be assessed over the telephone with trained study investigators Percentage of patients in at risk drinking group (AUDIT score 8 or more) Representations or another injury event. ; ; This outcome will also be self reported at the time of follow up telephone interview. A standard follow up preforma will be used INCLUSION CRITERIA: Adult patients admitted under the trauma service at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital