Assessment strategies

Why assess? (NICE, 2010)

• Early detection is seen as one of the key harm reduction strategies for substance misuse in the UK.

• Screening for harmful and hazardous alcohol use is important as people are more likely to be able to change their behaviour if it is identified and addressed early.

• Also, early detection could prevent or limit serious health or psychological problems later on.

Screening• Screening is a systematic process of identifying people who are at

increased risk of physical, psychological or social harm due to their substance use (NICE, 2010).

• Screening can be carried out by anyone in health and social care who is concerned that someone would benefit from changing their use (NICE 2010).

• Screening should be carried out:– Using a person centred approach and avoiding stigmatising– When and if the person is able to consent, i.e. not intoxicated – When there is a cause of concern or routine screening is advised– With consideration to including family or carers where appropriate

(NICE, 2010, 2011)

How to screen

• Screening can be done formally, through use of tools, or informally, but simply asking questions.

• Sometimes it is best to simply raise the issue! (NHS Healthier Scotland (2015).

• There is no harm in asking:

– How much do you normally drink?’and/or

– ‘What sort of drugs do you use?’

• See the resource How to talk about substance use for more on opening a conversation.

References• NHS Health Scotland (2015) Delivering an ABI: Process, screening tools and guidance notes.

Edinburgh, NHS Health Scotland.

• NICE (2010) Alcohol-use disorders: preventing harmful drinking. National Institute of Clinical Excellence Public Health Guidline 24.

• NICE (2011) Alcohol Dependence. National Institute of Clinical Excellence Clinical Guideline 115.