Screening and brief alcohol interventions: What, why, who, where and when? A review of the literature

There is a significant body of literature in the field of screening and brief alcohol intervention. This paper reviews that literature in order to provide a comprehensive overview of this important field of study. The format of the paper is not intended to be one of a systematic review with meta-analysis, but rather a gathering of data to give readers a concise summary of the vast quantity of literature relating to screening and brief alcohol intervention. The review will provide a working definition of screening and brief intervention and explain why it is considered to be an important element of preventive care. Data will also be presented relating to the effectiveness, attitudes, involvement, cost and accuracy of a variety of health professionals involved in screening and brief intervention along with the patient's perspective on these health professionals' roles. The review will also examine the settings in which screening and brief intervention can and does take place.