Dataset Information

Harnessing advances in computer simulation to inform policy and planning to reduce alcohol-related harms.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Alcohol misuse is a complex systemic problem. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using a transparent and participatory agent-based modelling approach to develop a robust decision support tool to test alcohol policy scenarios before they are implemented in the real world.

Methods

A consortium of Australia's leading alcohol experts was engaged to collaboratively develop an agent-based model of alcohol consumption behaviour and related harms. As a case study, four policy scenarios were examined.

Results

A 19.5 ± 2.5% reduction in acute alcohol-related harms was estimated with the implementation of a 3 a.m. licensed venue closing time plus 1 a.m. lockout; and a 9 ± 2.6% reduction in incidence was estimated with expansion of treatment services to reach 20% of heavy drinkers. Combining the two scenarios produced a 33.3 ± 2.7% reduction in the incidence of acute alcohol-related harms, suggesting a synergistic effect.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the feasibility of participatory development of a contextually relevant computer simulation model of alcohol-related harms and highlights the value of the approach in identifying potential policy responses that best leverage limited resources.

SUBMITTER: Atkinson JA

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5938302 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Harnessing advances in computer simulation to inform policy and planning to reduce alcohol-related harms.

Atkinson Jo-An JA Knowles Dylan D Wiggers John J Livingston Michael M Room Robin R Prodan Ante A McDonnell Geoff G O'Donnell Eloise E Jones Sandra S Haber Paul S PS Muscatello David D Ezard Nadine N Phung Nghi N Freebairn Louise L Indig Devon D Rychetnik Lucie L Ananthapavan Jaithri J Wutzke Sonia S

International journal of public health 20171019 4

<h4>Objectives</h4>Alcohol misuse is a complex systemic problem. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of using a transparent and participatory agent-based modelling approach to develop a robust decision support tool to test alcohol policy scenarios before they are implemented in the real world.<h4>Methods</h4>A consortium of Australia's leading alcohol experts was engaged to collaboratively develop an agent-based model of alcohol consumption behaviour and related harms. As a case ...[more]

PMID: 29051984

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Dataset Information

Harnessing advances in computer simulation to inform policy and planning to reduce alcohol-related harms.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Harnessing advances in computer simulation to inform policy and planning to reduce alcohol-related harms.

Similar Datasets

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