Nurses can tackle alcohol abuse
International Nursing Review (2014) doi: 10.1111/inr.12096
An increasingly robust body of evidence shows that brief interventions by healthcare professionals reduce alcohol misuse. However, studies specifically assessing the efficacy of nurse-conducted brief interventions (NCBIs) are 'inconclusive.' Now a new systematic review has suggested that NCBIs reduce hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption. The authors argued that nurses should have a greater role in tackling alcohol abuse.
The review examined 11 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), encompassing 2098 men and 578 women, that compared NCBIs with controls or other treatments. Three of the trials were performed in the UK and seven in primary care or clinics. The NCBIs included structured advice about alcohol-related harm, motivational counselling or offered educational booklets. Sessions lasted between five and 25 minutes. Overall, 74% of participants completed follow-up, which ranged from three months to two years.
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