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 .
A self-help approach for high-risk drinking: effect of an initial assessment.
A self-help book was offered to persons wanting to quit or cut down on their alcohol use . Study participants ( 99 men , 56 women ) were recruited through advertisements , screened by telephone , and r and omly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions . Book by mail or Assessment + Book ( 30-min telephone motivational interview plus book by mail ) . At 3-month follow-up , significantly more participants qualified as moderate drinkers in the Assessment + Book condition ( 65 % vs. 43 % ) , by this criterion : < or = 12 drinks/week and < or = 10 % heavy drinking days ( 5 + drinks if male and 4 + drinks if female ; 13.6 g of ethanol per drink ) . At 12 months there was no effect of condition , but significantly more women than men were rated as moderate drinkers ( 71 % vs. 52 % ) . Collateral informants corroborated the participants ' reports of drinking
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 .