New studies reveal rise in alcohol screening for adults attending Emergency Departments but more help needed for young and vulnerable

New research published today (4 May) by Alcohol Research UK shows that while more adults are being routinely screened for alcohol-related problems in Emergency Departments in England more specialist support is needed to help young people and the vulnerable. A new study by researchers based at the University of Surrey, funded by Alcohol Research UK, shows that Emergency Departments in England have increased the level of alcohol screening for adults – with the offer of specialist support for those attending with alcohol-related health problems and for those who frequently attend. However, while most Emergency Departments attending to under-18s ask them about their drinking few do so routinely. This needs to improve to ensure young people considered to be at risk of developing drink-related ill health receive the specialist support they need. Key findings from the study ‘The Third National Emergency Department Survey of Alcohol Identification and Intervention Activity’ show that: Almost two-thirds (63.6%) of adults are routinely questioned about alcohol use (compared to 47.7% in 2011). Routine questioning about alcohol use among under-18s remains limited, with 11.6% being routinely asked about their drinking (up from 8.9% in 2011). Access to Alcohol Health Workers or Clinical Nurse Specialists has increased by 13.4% since 2011 to 85.2% for adults displaying alcohol-related problems. Forty per cent of emergency departments have ‘assertive outreach’ strategies in p...
Source: Alcohol Research UK - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: News Source Type: news