Should we concentrate on moderate as well as excess drinkers
In terms of impacting population health you can have great effect addressing the large population of heavy
drinkers (1/5 of adult population) as well as the few who are drinking dangerously
What is the Government doing about alcohol in the UK?
A new Alcohol Strategy has been developed, follow the following link for
further information: www.strategy.gov.uk
Alcohol is one of the enhanced service options that may be funded by the PCT. This currently under negotiation.
www.bma.org.uk
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How big is the problem in primary care?
Research evidence suggests that around 20% of patients presenting to primary health care are likely to be excessive
drinkers, which means on average each GP will see 364 excessive drinkers a year. However research has found that 65% of
GPs report managing only 1 to 6 patients a year for excessive alcohol consumption. This means that up to 98% of the
excessive drinkers presenting in primary health care are being missed, despite the fact that problem drinkers consult
their GPs twice as often as other patients (Kaner et al, 1999).
- New patient registration
- Literature sign-posting to local services in the waiting room
- Opportunities for early detection of drinking problems in primary care
- GPs involved in occupational health have and important role to play in development of
company alcohol and drug policies
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