A new online training platform has opened to all health and care staff who would like to learn more about alcohol abuse. The programme for alcohol studies offers a comprehensive range of self-led and live training opportunities covering:
The programme includes modules that look at the wider picture, exploring the influence ‘big alcohol’ has on all our lives, and the relationship between alcohol and broader health inequalities. It also includes very practical guidance for clinicians, covering, for example, how best to identify alcohol related harm and raise the topic effectively in a brief consultation. Additionally, there are focused modules created with specific groups in mind, for example veterans and pregnant women. Around a third of the programme’s content is dedicated to recovery, treatment, detox and the management of alcohol use disorder. Rather than following the programme in a linear way, learners can pick and choose those modules most relevant to their requirements.
The North East of England suffers disproportionately from alcohol harms and the COVID pandemic has worsened the situation, resulting in an estimated 855,000 people in the region drinking more. Alcohol-specific deaths in England hit record levels during 2020, with the worst rates in the country in the North East and North Cumbria region.
Sarah Hulse, strategic manager for alcohol, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System, said:
“Levels of alcohol related harm are rising across our region. The Healthcare Needs Assessment we conducted in 21/22 highlighted the burden alcohol places on our healthcare system and its staff.
“Interviews with patient-facing staff have highlighted a gap in training on the prevention and management of alcohol harm. The programme for alcohol studies will fill that gap, empower our workforce and enable NHS services region-wide to improve the support, understanding and treatment offered to patients.”
The programme for alcohol studies is a collaborative project created by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Health and Care Partnership and NHS Health Education England North East. The programme is hosted by Making Every Contact Count (MECC).
View the full programme for alcohol studies training catalogue and book your modules now…
