Are we the problem? Overcoming obstacles to implementing intervention programs.

Abstract

Alcohol-related injuries comprise a large percentage of injuries in the United States. As the impact of these injuries on society increases, a well-functioning trauma system becomes increasingly important. During the last decade, evidence-based guidelines to reduce alcohol-related injuries have emerged. Further, evidence supports the effectiveness of brief intervention programs to reduce alcohol-related injuries and demonstrates that trauma centers can improve patient outcomes by integrating them into care. Although many obstacles have inhibited progress and made implementing preventive interventions a difficult task, economic constraints are among the biggest challenges to implementing intervention programs as part of routine trauma care.