Two simple questions...

[Bob Of Burleson]

How two simple questions
could help GPs identify patients
with drinking problems

ScienceDaily.com

Alcohol problems are often undetected in primary care but by asking two simple questions such as the two listed below, GPs could quickly uncover which patients have drinking problems -- including patients who would otherwise remain undetected -- according to new research by University of Leicester experts.

1. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?

2. As a result of your drinking, did anything happen in the last year that you wish didn't happen?

Patients' answers could either rule out alcohol issues, or could bring to light potentially excessive or unsafe drinking habits.

However in the latter case, GPs should follow up the short questions with a longer screening test to find out whether the patient is in need of help, according to the researchers' paper in the British Journal of General Practice.

The research team, led by Dr Alex Mitchell, honorary senior lecturer at the University's Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine and an NHS consultant in psycho-oncology at Leicestershire Partnership Trust, believe the findings could make it easier for GPs to identify drinking problems which would otherwise remain hidden.

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