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 .
Identification and intervention of heavy drinking in middle-aged men: results and follow-up of 24-60 months of long-term study with randomized controls.
In a continuing screening and intervention programme in Malmó , elevated serum-gamma-glutamyltransferase ( GGT ) values were used for selection of heavy drinkers . The study population consisted of 585 individuals born 1926 - 1933 with two consecutive GGT values in the upper decile of the GGT distribution , r and omly allocated either to an intervention group of to a control group . The subjects in the intervention group were further investigated and 75 % of them were judged to have elevated GGT values caused by alcohol consumption . These individuals were repeatedly encouraged to lower their overall alcohol consumption and  GGT  measurements were used as biofeedback method in the treatment program . The controls were informed by letter to be restrictive with their alcohol consumption and that they should receive new invitations for measurements of their liver enzymes  after 2 , 4 , and 6 years . The intervention and control groups were well matched and followed over a 2 - 6-year period . Two and 4 years after the screening investigation , the GGT values in both groups were significantly decreased . There were differences , however , between the two groups with regard to sick absenteeism , hospitalization , and mortality . A significant reduction was found in sick absence during 4 years by 80 % , in hospital days during 5 years by 60 % , and in mortality during 6 years by 50 % in the intervention group compared with the control group . Thus , the intervention program was effective in preventing medico-social consequences of heavy 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 .