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Objective: This retrospective observational study aimed to compare the impact of the Prevent Alcohol and Risk‐Related Trauma Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program when delivered as In‐hospital or Outreach models to rural and regional students. Methods: The study population were consented participants from regional areas between 2013 and 2017 who completed pre‐programme, immediately post‐programme and 3–5 months post‐programme surveys. Responses from the metropolitan In‐hospital programme participants and regional Outreach programme participants were analysed within groups across the three time points. The primary outcome variable was a change in self‐reported perception of driving after drinking alcohol. Secondary outcome variables were designating a safe driver after drinking, perception of risk of injury if not wearing a seatbelt, risks of injury if undertaking physical risk‐taking activities and likelihood of the programme changing perceptions. Results: There were 1314 participants invited to participate and 547 (42%) sets of complete surveys were received, of whom 296 (54%) were Outreach participants. Pre‐programme, a significantly lower proportion of Outreach participants reported 'definitely not' to driving after drinking (84% vs 91%), and perceived a 'definite' likelihood of sustaining injury if not wearing a seatbelt (57% vs 66%). Outreach participants displayed improvements in likelihood to drive after drinking alcohol immediately post‐programme and on follow up (P = 0.028). Responses to all other secondary outcome measures demonstrated some improvement. Conclusions: Although demographically similar, baseline perceptions toward alcohol, risk‐taking and injury differed between groups. Improvements in perception were demonstrated across both models. These findings support P.A.R.T.Y. as an injury prevention initiative for regional youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The Prevent Alcohol and Risk‐Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program at The Alfred uses vivid clinical reality to build resilience and prevent injury by following a trauma patient's journey through hospital. The present study aims to analyse the effect of P.A.R.T.Y. on safety perceptions of driving after alcohol, seat belt use and risk‐taking activities. Methods: Pre‐programme, immediately post‐programme and 3–5 months post‐programme surveys with questions focused on the programme aims were distributed to all consented participants. Results: There were 2502 participants during the study period and 1315 (53%) responses were received. The mean age was 16.2 (SD 0.8) years, 724 (56%) were women and 892 (68%) possessed a learner's permit for driving. Pre‐programme, 1130 (86%) participants reported ‘definitely not’ likely to drive after drinking alcohol, that improved to 1231 (94%) immediately post‐programme and 1215 (93%) at 3–5 months post‐programme (P < 0.01). Designating a safe driver after drinking was reported by 1275 (97%) pre‐programme, 1295 (98%) immediately post‐programme and 1286 (98.2%) 3–5 months post‐programme (P = 0.02). The perception of sustaining ‘definite’ injury after a motor vehicle crash without a seat belt increased from 780 (60%) pre‐programme to 1051 (80%) immediately post‐programme and 886 (69%) 3–5 months post‐programme (P < 0.01). The possibility of sustaining ‘definite’ injury after risk‐taking activities was reported by 158 (12%) pre‐programme, 467 (36%) post‐programme and 306 (23%) 3–5 months post‐programme (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The P.A.R.T.Y. Program at The Alfred engaged substantial numbers of youths and achieved significant improvements among key outcome measures. Objectives were sustained at 3–5 months post‐programme, but demonstrated decay, highlighting the importance of continual reinforcement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]