Approximately 50% of people arrested for alcohol-impaired driving had recently departed from a licensed drinking establishment. Thus, altering the drinking environment may be an effective means of reducing alcohol-impaired driving risk. One such approach involves training servers in appropriate practices for preventing intoxication and alcohol-impaired driving.
A systematic review of studies of the effects of server training programs was conducted using the methodology developed for the Guide to Community Preventive Services. Of eight studies identified, five met the quality criteria for inclusion in the review. Outcomes of interest included indices of server behavior, alcohol consumption, blood-alcohol concentration (BAC), and alcohol-related crashes.
For each of the outcome areas identified, the included studies demonstrated consistent positive effects of server training programs. Training was associated with an increase in desirable behaviors (e.g., delaying or refusing service, offering food) and a decrease in undesirable behaviors (e.g., encouraging overconsumption) by servers. It was also associated with a decreased rate of patron alcohol consumption, decreased BAC of drinkers served, and decreased single vehicle nighttime injury crashes.
These findings suggest that server intervention training shows promise for reducing alcohol-related crashes. However, the studies reviewed primarily evaluate small-scale programs delivered to staff of establishments with highly motivated management. The degree to which these findings generalize to larger-scale programs that could substantially impact alcohol-related crashes is unclear. Continued research is needed to determine what components of training programs are effective, and what conditions are necessary to maintain their effectiveness when implemented community-wide.
See www.thecommunityguide.orgLearning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1) Describe the goals of server intervention training. 2)List some ways that servers can influence the level of intoxication of patrons. 3)Evaluate the current body of research regarding the potential of server training for decreasing alcohol-related crashes. 4)Articulate important knowledge gaps in need of further research.
Keywords: Alcohol Use, Intervention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.