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Screening and brief intervention (SBI) presents an effective early response by healthcare professionals to their patients' alcohol-related problems. This qualitative research study used focus group discussions with general practitioners (GPs) to identify incentives that may increase the use of SBI in Slovene general practice. Seven categories of actions that may improve the use of SBI were identified: motivation, professional institution, financial support, adequate knowledge and skills, community support, workload (i.e. relief from the burden of current obligations in order to allow more time for prevention), and record keeping (suitable medical documentation). Several of these actions can be changed by the GPs themselves (motivation, adequate knowledge and skills, and record keeping), while the remaining four require more extensive community action on the part of society as a whole, e.g. government intervention. The results of this study will guide future changes in the way that prevention strategies for excess alcohol consumption will be implemented in Slovenia.

Lack of knowledge and guidelines, and inadequate counselling skills can be solved through educational programs. In order to change drinking habits, substantial changes in public and personal attitudes towards alcohol consumption, involving many partners, are necessary.

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