Recent alcohol bulletins from the drug and alcohol bank:
UK clinical guidance on treating dependent drinkers
Assessment by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) of what evaluation research means for alcohol dependence treatment in Britain, distinguished by comprehensive reviews of the literature. Updated analysis cites evidence update released in January 2013 which was not considered to require changes to the original 2011 guidance.
Unmet need undermines contribution of alcohol treatment in England
More problem drinkers started specialist treatment in 2011/12 but more successfully completed it, slightly reducing the overall numbers; scope for many more to benefit from treatment is indicated by the low levels of referrals from primary medical services.Leadership commitment needed to implement electronic alcohol advice prompts
Computerised reminders to consider an alcohol brief intervention have led to high rates of advice-giving in primary care, yet at a service for US ex-military personnel the same system was rarely used and made no difference to patients’ drinking. Lack of leadership commitment and incentives seemed the explanation.
Electronic prompts mean more primary care patients get advised about drinking
When a patient has screened positive for risky drinking, up pops a computerised prompt to remind the clinician to consider counselling. In one service for US ex-military personnel, this resulted in nearly three quarters of patients being counselled and a hint of consequentially reduced drinking; at another, findings were negative. Why the difference?
See the Alcohol Learning Centre, Alcohol Research UK, NHS Evidence alcohol page or NICE alcohol guidance and resources for further resources and information.
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