Random screening for drink problems

FAMILY doctors are to randomly screen patients for drink problems in a Government-funded pilot study to reduce alcohol abuse.

One GP in each health board area is taking part in the study, the first of its kind in Ireland.

International research has shown that 20% of visitors to GP clinics are problem drinkers and those experiencing difficulties with alcohol consult their family doctor twice as often as the general public.

Study co-ordinator, Rolande Anderson of the Irish College of General Practitioners said research indicates drinkers who fall into the hazardous category can cut their alcohol consumption by a quarter with their GP’s help.

However, while GPs can play a vital role in reducing abuse, training in alcohol treatment has traditionally been poor, he said.

“We know that alcohol problems are very severe in Ireland and we want to empower and up-skill doctors to be able to intervene effectively. Internationally, GPs are recognised as the ones who have the best chance of influence in this area because they are trusted.

“Alcohol problems have been neglected in medical training to a large extent. The participating general practices will be more aware of the problem and better skilled to tackle it.”

GPs are also able to persuade patients to cut back by linking excess drinking to health problems such as high blood pressure, headaches, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression or career and relationship difficulties, Mr Anderson added.

The Alcohol Aware Practice national study begins this month and will run for between six and eight months.

The 10 participating GPs will randomly screen patients and assign them to categories ranging from low or no risk to harmful/dependent.

“They will be treated accordingly and reviewed within three months to assess change in consumption patterns,” Mr Anderson said.

The Department of Health, which is funding the study, will also study the results.

A recent study of patients in the Mater Hospital found that one-in-three attended for an alcohol-related problem, while approximately one in five of all patients had some problem with alcohol.