Table 1 Essential characteristics of BIs
Approach | Brief (range: between 5 and 40Â min), flexible, can be adapted to different behaviour contexts, settings, practitioners |
Target group | Hazardous and harmful drinkers |
Measures | Use of validated screening tools to identify drinking patterns |
Content | Structured techniques focussed on motivating behaviour change including:    Feedback on the person’s alcohol use and any alcohol-related harm    Clarification as to what constitutes low-risk alcohol consumption; information on the harms associated with risky alcohol use; and benefits of reducing alcohol intake    Advice on how to reduce alcohol intake    Motivational enhancement    Analysis of high-risk situations for drinking and coping strategies    Development of a personalised plan to reduce alcohol consumption    Referral to further treatments where appropriate |
Types of BIs | Brief structured advice Motivational interviewing based BIs Digital BIs (e.g. app-based) |
Settings in which BIs may be delivered | Primary care Specialist care Emergency care |