Table 2 PINTA complex intervention description

• A multi-sided complex intervention strategy, incorporating practice visits, distribution of best practice guidelines and education (including CME-approved small group sessions); multimedia educational tools (i.e. DVD); MI (motivational interviewing) related training presentation; and demonstration of intervention implementation to attendees.

• Dissemination of a resource pack which included:

 (i) Clinical guidelines for the management of problem alcohol use among problem drug users;

 (ii) ‘A Quick Question’ HSE (Health Service Executive) leaflet promoting reduced alcohol use;

 (iii) A multimedia educational video demonstrating screening using AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and delivering a BI (brief intervention) using the ‘FRAMES’ model which identifies key elements of brief intervention: feedback, responsibility, advice, menu of strategies, empathy, and self-efficacy;

 (iv) Resource manual with up-to-date information on support services to help practices in the management of patients with problem alcohol.

• Educational support for participating GPs following workshop. The specific objectives were to: (i) outline the importance of routine, annual screening of all problem drug users; (ii) encourage use of the full AUDIT questionnaire for patients with positive annual screen; (iii) promote delivery of brief intervention to patients in the ‘hazardous’ / ‘harmful’ category, and referral to specialist services for patients in the ‘dependent’ category.