IMPACT: an Interactive Multimedia Program for Alcoholism Assessment and Counseling Training

Nearly 14% of American adults have met the DSM-III-R (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 3rd Edition, Revised) criteria for lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence. Although it has been estimated that 20% of patients visiting physicians qualify for an alcoholic diagnosis, the early stages of excessive drinking often remain unrecognized in general medical practice and in hospitals due to inadequate training and erroneous stereotyping. To address this problem, the American Research Corporation of Virginia (ARCOVA) is developing the Interactive Multimedia Program for Alcoholism Assessment and Counseling Training (IMPACT), a combination of audiovisual media and programmed interaction for the teaching of alcoholism management skills to physicians and nurses at both the student and professional levels. The hallmark of this program is a role-play activity with patient personalities simulated by digital audio and video that will respond to questions posed by the user.