Impact of health consequences feedback on patients acceptance of advice about alcohol consumption.

OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the impact of health consequences feedback on patients willingness to accept advice about drinking. METHODS 281 patients identified as hazardous drinkers were offered advice about alcohol consumption. During the experimental period patients' were given feedback as to the health consequences. RESULTS Introduction of feedback led to a 23% increase in the proportion of patients who were willing to accept brief advice. CONCLUSIONS Feedback provision should be included as part of Screening and Brief intervention programmes to increase the number of patients that may benefit from an intervention.