Sensitivity analysis indicates that from both perspectives the service is very cost effective and may be cost saving .
CONCLUSIONS These results make alcohol screening and counseling one of the highest-ranking preventive services among the 25 effective services evaluated using st and ardized methods .
BACKGROUND The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force ( USPSTF ) has recommended screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse .
This study was design ed to develop a st and ardized rating for the clinical ly preventable burden and cost effectiveness of complying with that recommendation that would allow comparisons across many recommended services .
Effectiveness of a self-control manual for problem drinkers with and without therapist contact.
Thirty-one self-referred problem drinkers were r and omly assigned to one of two modalities for behavioral self-control training with a goal of moderation : ( 1 ) minimal therapist contact , in which clients worked only with a self-help manual ; and ( 2 ) therapist directed training , in which clients received self-help material s plus 10 individual treatment sessions . Both groups showed significant reductions in alcohol consumption and peak blood alcohol concentration . Contrary to expectations , there were no significant differences on outcome measures between groups . Results are interpreted within a self-control framework
Sensitivity analysis indicates that from both perspectives the service is very cost effective and may be cost saving .
CONCLUSIONS These results make alcohol screening and counseling one of the highest-ranking preventive services among the 25 effective services evaluated using st and ardized methods .
BACKGROUND The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force ( USPSTF ) has recommended screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse .
This study was design ed to develop a st and ardized rating for the clinical ly preventable burden and cost effectiveness of complying with that recommendation that would allow comparisons across many recommended services .