Optimal use of the AUDIT in screening and brief intervention programs: a decision theoretic approach (part of Economics of SBI symposium)

Background Current evidence suggests that screening and brief intervention (SBI) programs can be effective at reducing risky alcohol consumption. While validity and reliability have been demonstrated for existing screening instruments, little is known about how the diagnostic properties of an instrument influence the cost-effectiveness of SBI. We develop a decision theoretic framework to model this issue, and to measure the potential improvement in cost-effectiveness that could result from changes in screening instrument properties and other factors associated with SBI.