Harmful Drinking 1: The size of the problem (PDF, 2207KB, 10min 27secs)
The impact of alcohol misuse on society generally, and the NHS in particular, has long been a concern in Scotland. NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) is committed to understanding how best to improve the quality of care in alcohol services across Scotland.
This report sets the scene by addressing the size of the problem. It is the first of a series of reports that will be produced over the next 12 months, designed to fill the information gap that exists in our knowledge and understanding about alcohol misuse. An overview report summarising the findings and considering the next steps will be published in March 2008.
Other publications in this series
The second report looks at the number and nature of assault presentations to emergency departments in Scotland, particularly those related to the use of alcohol, and was published in December 2006.
The third report looks at the number and nature of self-harm presentations to emergency departments in Scotland, particularly those related to the use of alcohol, and was published in July 2007.
This report looks at the number and characteristics of patients with serious alcohol problems presenting to emergency departments in Scotland. In particular, the report gathers evidence on the treatment and management, paying particular attention to the prevalence of intravenous B vitamin administration.
This report looks at the prevalence of attendances to emergency departments in Scotland by young people, particularly those related to the use of alcohol, the treatment and management of this particular group of patients, and was published in February 2008.
This report summarises the findings of the five reports and the work which was carried out in 15– 20 mainland emergency departments between October 2005 and June 2007. Examples of good practice are highlighted and recommendations for further work and service improvements are made.
