Do minority or white patients respond to brief alcohol intervention in trauma centers? A randomized

Objectives—The current study evaluated if the effectiveness of brief alcohol intervention in reducing 6- and 12-month risk of injuries in a large level 1 urban trauma center varies based on trauma patients ’ ethnicity. Methods—Eligible White, Hispanic and Black trauma patients ≥ 18 years old were randomized to brief alcohol intervention, or treatment as usual. The intervention, implemented by trained health educators, was a “non-confrontational, patient centered conversation ” focused on patients ’ drinking pattern with the purpose of encouraging them to change risky drinking. Study outcomes were patient-reported 6 and 12 month incidence of all-type injuries, alcohol-related injuries and serious injuries (i.e. injuries requiring emergency department visit or hospital admission). Results—A total of 1,493 trauma patients (668 Whites, 537 Hispanics, 288 Blacks) participated in this study. After one year of follow-up, we were not able to detect any important association between brief intervention and the risk of all-type injuries, alcohol-related injuries or, serious injuries among study participants. In addition, the association between brief intervention and the outcomes of interest was not modified by patients ’ ethnicity. Conclusions—Our study, congruent with some recent publications, implies that there are some patient- and provider-related impediments that could restrict the effectiveness of brief intervention programs in trauma centers, regardless of patient ethnicity. Unless those impediments are identified and eliminated, assuming that brief intervention will be an effective strategy for controlling future alcohol-related injuries among trauma patients and should be provided under any circumstances, might not be reasonable