NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND CURRENT PRACTICE OF ALCOHOL RISK ASSESSMENT OF PREGNANT WOMEN AND WOMEN OF CHILDBE ARING AGE BY PRIM ARY HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Background

Assessing the current practices and learning and resource needs of primary health care professionals in regards to their alcohol risk assessment practices is an important step in providing optimal training and educational  methods.  Needs and current practices  in alcohol risk assessment  of pregnant  women and women of child bearing years may vary according to practitioner demographics.

 Methods

To  appraise   alcohol   risk  assessment   current   practices   and  learning   and  resource   needs   among Saskatchewan primary health care professionals, a mail and online survey was distributed in the spring of 2006 to family physicians/general practitioners and nurse practitioners.

 Results

In total, 876 surveys were distributed and 386 were returned for an overall response rate of 44.1%. The majority of survey respondents  reported  either rarely or never using a standardized  screening  tool in assessing alcohol risk in women or reported using a standardized  screening tool that is less sensitive. Current  practices  varied according  to gender,  length  of time in practice  and practice  location,  while learning and resource needs were more likely to be identified by nurse practitioners, female physicians, and physicians from rural areas. Physicians who had practiced for less than 5 years were more likely to want an online course.

 Discussion

Knowing the needs and practices of health care professionals may assist learning and resource training and could assist in teaching best practices in alcohol risk assessment. Assessing alcohol risk in pregnant women and women of childbearing age is critical for prevention of FASD.