A theory-based implementation program of alcohol screening and brief interventions (ASBI) in general practices in The Netherlands.

We hypothesize that:

(1) GPs who receive the ASBI implementation
program will increase screening and brief intervention delivery rates relative to GPs in the
control condition;

(2) GPs involved in the ASBI implementation program will have a higher proportion of patients with problematic alcohol use who reduce their alcohol consumption to low-risk levels compared with GPs in the control group.

Screening rate, rate of brief intervention delivery and secondary outcomes will be measured at the following timepoints: week 1, 2, 6, 7. Patient alcohol consumption will be measured at the following timepoints: week 8 (baseline measurement), week 13 (one-month post-measurement) & week 21 (three-month follow-up).

The ASBI implementation program consists of
three parts, targeting previously found barriers: lack of knowledge, lack of skills, negative
attitude and a lack of a supportive environment. GPs in the implementation program condition, will be referred to a 2-hour accredited E-learning module ¡°Learning how to discuss alcohol use with patients¡± to address lack of knowledge and/or skill concerning alcohol assessment. The 2-hour accredited E-learning module is an acknowledged
product consistent with the Dutch ¡®NHG Standaard¡¯ guideline recommendations for problematic alcohol use. An additional short feedback module will be given to general practitioners to address motivational factors such as attitude and beliefs about discussing alcohol use with patients. The third component of the ASBI implementation program consists of supportive environmental materials such as screening questionnaires, a referral scheme, reminder cards as well as contact information of local addiction prevention centres for support for GPs.

GPs in the control condition will not receive the ASBI implementation program and will
continue to deliver care as usual.