Face to Face Training in Screening and Brief Interventions in Alcohol Misuse

Brief Interventions in primary care are widely under used despite a strong evidence base for their efficacy and the fact that they are easy to deliver. Alcohol causes much greater harm than hypertension which is generally identified and managed entirely in primary care by health professionals working to agreed routine, systematic and structured protocols, yet few primary healthcare teams manage risky or hazardous drinking as methodically as they approach hypertension.

When GPs are asked what incentives would be required to enable them to carry out SBI (screening and brief interventions), many mention training and support. There is indeed good evidence that when GPS and nurses are adequately trained and supported for this work, SBI activity increases.  However, there is also evidence that support should be geared to the needs and attitudes of health professionals to be effective and avoid being counterproductive in the longer term.

The implementation of a standardized approach to the delivery of brief interventions to harmful drinkers can probably save more in terms of years of life saved and provide better value for money.

The RCGP Substance Misuse Unit has established a track record of delivering accredited programmes linked to Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards and aimed at equipping GPs, Nurses and Pharmacists with skills and competencies linked to the delivery of nationally and locally enhanced services (nGMS) and supports the development of GPs with a Special Interest (GPwSI).

The existing substance misuse course is now delivered as a college accredited two part certificate programme and has an underpinning governance and continuing professional development framework supported by a network of regional clinical leads and SMMGP.

This day training programme delivered by the SMU draws on best practice and “what works” in terms of engaging with and supporting primary care practitioners. The learning methodologies are integrated into day to day  practice and the learning outcomes will be linked to the goals and objectives of Models of Care for Alcohol Misusers (MoCAM).

On completing the training GPs, Pharmacists, Nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors & Prison Workers will be equipped with skills and competencies that will enable them to develop and deliver Screening and Brief Interventions in General practice to an enhanced level of practice.

For more details please contact Karen Morris or Lesley Hills on 2920 504603 alternatively email: lhills@rcgp.org.uk