Brief Motivational Counselling for Alcohol Abusers Admitted to Medical Wards

Within the United Kingdom the number of individuals abusing alcohol is continuing to increase. Alcohol abuse is linked with long-term health problems, with the potential to have an impact on work, relationships and the ability to function in daily life. Occupational therapists working within general hospital environments have regular contact with alcohol abusers, although there is limited evidence of effective interventions in this clinical setting. This article reports on a feasibility study, which investigated the potential role for occupational therapists in delivering brief motivational counselling to alcohol abusers admitted to medical wards. Consideration is given to the practicality of delivering such an intervention. The outcome measures used were the Fast Alcohol Screening Tool (FAST), self-reported alcohol consumption and participant's rationale for change. A small sample of 40 participants was recruited. Although the results presented are not statistically significant, this feasibility study will be important in assisting clinicians to plan future research in this area.