Screening for Alcohol Abuse - Are We Doing Our Best?

Abstract

Purpose: The AASLD 2010 Guidelines recommend clinicians to discuss alcohol use with patients and if suspicious for abuse; should prompt the use of a structured screening questionnaire with subsequent counselling. We investigated the prevalent practice and attitudes among physicians at two community teaching hospitals in northeast Ohio. Methods: 74 physicians at two different hospitals: 42 in hospital A and 32 in hospital B were given a 12 question survey to complete. The questionnaire included the knowledge, attitude and current practice of physicians regarding screening of alcohol abuse and safe alcohol limits. Results: Demographics: Table 1. 80% feel that screening for alcohol abuse is very important during patient visits. However, only 40% perform them regularly with a majority 75% using the CAGE questionnaire as a screening tool. 92% of physicians counsel their patients who screen positive. Although only 35% of physicians were aware of the alcohol content in 12 oz beer, 82% did advise their patients on safe alcohol limits for driving. Only 39% feel comfortable with their knowledge base of alcohol screening and counselling.Table 1: No Caption available.Conclusion: Screening for alcohol abuse is vital and the first step in preventing alcohol related health problems. Our study demonstrates that less than half of the physicians screen their patients for alcohol abuse. A vast majority feel uncomfortable with their level of knowledge and would like to seek further education.