The SIPS programme was commissioned by the UK Department of Health to support the National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England and to develop more information about the most effective methods of targeted screening and brief interventions. It aims to test how best to use a variety of models of targeted screening and brief intervention in primary and secondary healthcare settings. This programme has three linked clinical trials designed to provide evidence on the delivery, effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a range of alcohol screening and brief intervention approaches across settings and regions in England.

The three settings included in the study consist of:
• Primary care
• Accident and emergency departments
• Criminal justice (probation)

The SIPS Toolkit
SIPS has tested a number of screening tools (M-SASQ, FAST Alcohol Screening Test, and SIPS PAT) and developed specific Intervention and Brief Advice training tools and materials, which you can access. These are currently being disseminated and researched in their practical settings and should be your first port of call.