Evaluation of a drug & alcohol primary health care team

As part of an ongoing assessment of the physical health needs of injecting drug users during 2005, all 167 general practices in the Lambeth, Southwark & Lewisham (LSL) area were sent a questionnaire. The results indicate that the majority of IDUs visited the surgery because of DVT, pregnancy, chest infections or skin ulceration, and the GPs themselves opportunistically identified more serious problems such as BBV’s and Liver problems. Interestingly we found significant variation in the rate of opportunistic detection between PCTs. Many practices indicated that health promotion activity would benefit their IDU clients, in particular issues related to smoking and drinking, as well as dental health, diet and exercise needed to be addressed. In general it was felt that a nurse led resource integrated into existing services, such as that offered by the Drug and Alcohol Health Care Team, would be of greatest benefit to IDU clients.