Pilot Study of a Computer-Based Intervention for Alcohol Misuse in the Emergency Department

Summary

Alcohol misuse amongst youth is a significant clinical and public health problem. The Emergency Department (ED) is an important setting for the treatment of alcohol-related problems as it is often the first point of contact between youth, their families, and the healthcare system. This pilot study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of a computer-based intervention in the ED for youth with alcohol-related presentations. The investigators research team will: (1) evaluate the methodological and operational processes involved in study recruitment and intervention implementation, (2) determine recruitment and retention rates, and (3) obtain preliminary data on the difference in alcohol consumption at different time points. The clinical and health service implications of this research will be used to plan further investigations designed to improve the standard of ED care among youth aged 12 to 16 with alcohol-related presentations. This research will also help optimize the planning and development of a full-scale randomized controlled clinical trial of a computer-based intervention designed to reduce higher-risk alcohol consumption and alcohol-related health and social problems in this target population.

Conditions

• Alcohol Consumption

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Computer-based PAF

This intervention includes standard medical care followed by receipt of computer-based Personalized Assessment Feedback (PAF). PAF is a type of brief intervention that targets norm misperceptions, for example summarizing a person's drinking in comparison to the average male or female in the general population. Theoretically, such normative feedback corrects norm misperceptions and motivates drinkers to re-evaluate their consumption patterns.

BEHAVIORAL

Computer-based Sham

This intervention includes standard medical care followed by receipt of a computer-based sham. The sham is similar in format and duration as the computer-based Personalized Assessment Feedback but will engage youth in nutrition and exercise-related questions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Norlien Foundation

  collaborator OTHER

• Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Canada

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Alberta

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Amanda Newton, PhD · Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta

• Kathryn Dong, MD · Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

12 Years

Max Age

17 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2010-07-31

Primary Completion

2013-01-31

Completion

2013-03-31

Countries

• Canada

Study Locations