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 .
Maritally distressed women with alcohol problems: the impact of a short-term alcohol-focused intervention on drinking behaviour and marital satisfaction.
AIM To evaluate the efficacy of a short-term alcohol-focused intervention for maritally distressed women , and to explore changes in relationship functioning . DESIGN Participants were assigned r and omly to an alcohol-focused treatment or to a waiting-list control group . The waiting-list control group began the intervention at 1-month follow-up . SETTING The intervention took place at a research and training centre offering outpatient psychology services to the community . PARTICIPANTS A sample of 32 women with alcohol and marital problems were recruited through the media . Participants reported protracted alcohol problems , moderate to severe impact of alcohol on social and occupational functioning , and moderate to severe marital distress . MEASUREMENTS Measures of average alcohol consumption , marital distress , relational efficacy and depression were administered at pre- and post-therapy , and at 1 , 6 and 12-month follow-up . INTERVENTION The intervention involved six 1-hour sessions , consisting of clinical assessment , motivational interviewing , cognitive-behavioural strategies and relapse prevention . RESULTS At 1-month follow-up , the intervention was associated with statistically significant improvements in alcohol consumption , marital satisfaction , relational efficacy and depression , and these effects were sustained at 12-month follow-up . CONCLUSIONS At 1-month follow-up the intervention was associated with decreased alcohol consumption and depression , and increased marital satisfaction and relational efficacy , with evidence of maintained effects at 12-month follow-up . However , it is unlikely that reduced problem drinking and improved confidence in resolving problems were the only factors producing low marital quality in these couples . Further research is needed to identify those individuals who might benefit from marital interventions
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 .