JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Alcohol use is a major public health concern associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Health professionals in primary care commonly see patients with a range of alcohol-related risks and problems providing an ideal opportunity for screening and brief intervention.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop a prototype for a web-based tool for use by health professionals in primary care to communicate alcohol harm risk with their patients and to engage with them regarding ways this risk could be reduced.

Methods:

Following conceptualization and development of prototype wireframes, formative work and pre-testing was undertaken. For the formative work focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted with potential end-users of the risk communication tool including health professionals and consumers. The focus groups and interviews explored perceptions of alcohol risk communication and obtained feedback on the initial prototype. For pre-testing participants (General Practitioners [GPs] and nurses) completed an online survey followed by a period of pre-testing before completion of a follow up online survey. The study was designed to gain feedback on the tool’s performance in real world settings as well as its relevance, ease of use, and any suggested refinements.

Results:

Formative work: A total of 11 key informants and seven consumers participated in either focus groups or individual interviews. Participants were very positive about the prototype and believed that it would be useful and acceptable in practice. Key informants identified the key point of difference with the tool was that it provided ‘all the pieces’ in one place (i.e. assessment, interpretation, and resources to support change). Participants provided feedback on how the tool could be improved, and these suggestions were incorporated into the prototype where possible. Pre-testing: A total of seven people completed the pre-testing; five GPs and two primary care nurses. Participants reported that the tool provided a useful framework for an intervention, that it would be acceptable to patients, it was easy to use, that they would be likely to use it in practice, and that there were no technical issues.

Conclusions:

The alcohol risk communication tool was found to be acceptable and has the potential to increase the confidence of health professionals in assessing risk and providing brief intervention.