A pilot study for a randomised controlled trial of the use of the schedule for the evaluation of individual quality of life (SEIQoL) in an alcohol counselling setting

A randomised controlled trial was undertaken to test the methodology for using SEIQoL within an alcohol counselling setting and to compare outcomes of standard structured counselling (control) and standard structured counselling with SEIQoL (intervention). There were no differences in characteristics between the control and intervention groups. Those receiving SEIQoL had slightly more favourable outcomes than controls. SEIQoL scores increased during the intervention. Service users understood and found the tool easy to use, counsellors found that SEIQoL helped focus on the most important issues early in the counselling process. The main strengths of SEIQoL are first, that it provides users with a dynamic means to identify important areas that contribute to quality of life, and secondly, it appears to enhance the reflective process early on in counselling. This study has shown that it is feasible to use SEIQoL in addictions counselling and highlighted areas that require further research.