The aim of the Wessex Academic Health Science Network (Wessex AHSN) is to improve health and wealth within Wessex. Within the Reducing Harm from alcohol programme, reducing the morbidity and mortality of patients with ARLD has been identified as a key priority. There is a substantial body of research showing that the majority of mortality associated with liver disease is alcohol related (NCEPOD, 2012). There is also preliminary evidence that more active management of patients’ alcohol consumption results in improved outcomes (mortality and morbidity) and reduce the burden on health services.
The Wessex AHSN has worked in partnership with local health providers to develop this toolkit, which includes guidance on completing an audit on the screening of patients for alcohol misuse, implementation of alcohol treatment pathways, as well as tools to aid in identification, diagnosis and treatment. Staff training tools are provided with materials to use with patients, all aiming to improving patient outcomes and reducing service use.