The Educational Process

The WHO Working Group made the following recommendations on education and training in alcohol and alcohol-related problems, for adoption by medical colleges or faculties of general practice within the Region. 36

1. Education and training should develop in primary health care doctors the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to deal with alcohol use and alcohol-related problems.

2. Teaching on alcohol and alcohol-related problems should be included in medical education for general practice at all levels: undergraduate education, postgraduate training for general practice and continuing medical education.

3. At the undergraduate level, such teaching should be coordinated by academic departments of general practice and/or public health, where they exist.

4. Education and training programmes should impart:

• an understanding of the behavioural and social determinants of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems;

• a knowledge of the medical, psychological and social consequences of alcohol use, and their diagnosis and management;

• an understanding of the roles of the individual, the family, the community, the medical and related professions, and the government in dealing with alcohol-related problems and;

• knowledge of the principles and methods of health promotion, disease prevention and screening.

5. A multidisciplinary approach should be advocated at all levels of education.

6. Doctors should gain an understanding of the need for intersectoral collaboration in the prevention and management of alcohol-related problems.

7. Education and training programmes should be based on current research findings.

References:

36 The role of general practice settings in the prevention and management of the harm done by alcohol use. Report of a WHO meeting. Copenhagen. WHO Regional Office for Europe, 1992.