WG3. Early idenification and referral

Importance• Evidence on impact on reduction of drinking level• Cost –effective measure• Seen more as supportive and not only punitive and

disciplinary

General ideas• Embedded in a broader health perspective• Health approach and not punitive (disciplinary)• If OHS is best conditions• If no OHS the manager or the owner are responsible• Difficult in small companies, confidentiality and support

needed • Part of employee’s assistance programmes• Differences among countries (legal issues)

Elements• Self assessment tools (anonimous) - check your

drinking (step beyond raising awareness) – On-line /leaflets /Postal questionnaires– Self help elements (groups and on-line tools), companies and

individuals proactive on health

• Identification by a third person (sensitive) – – Screening (AUDIT) only in regular health checks (doctor)– Violates the rights (exception of safety reasons)– Only if suspicious – interview and if there is a health problem

– address it directly and offer help if continuing drinking disciplinary measures

• OH doctors, supervisors, managers, any one responsible of personnel, health resources, etc.

Elements• Intervention (adapted according to level of problems)– Brief advice for hazardous and harmful (managers,

supervisors, etc)– Clinical intervention (doctor) not forced (poor performance)

for more severe cases• Employee’s support programme

• Health professionals or comissioned by health service

• Voluntary basis of employees

Discussion elements• Self-help assessment is an element of raising awareness

or of early identification• Early identification signs of alcohol problems is part of

the targeted training or of early identification element

Programmes• Mike – wigan’s• Stuart – Alcohollearningcentre.org.uk resources for

alcohol improvement inc. Identification & Brief Advice (IBA)

• Natascha – guidelines translated into English• Peter – prevention standards