PLOS ONE · 14 authors, 7 centres
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A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with adults with alcohol dependence and primary care staff in Northwest England found that current services are reactive rather than preventative, stigma impedes engagement, and there are clear opportunities to improve timely intervention and transitional support in primary care.
This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 10 adults with alcohol dependence and 15 healthcare professionals and specialist alcohol service staff in Northwest England to explore barriers and facilitators to accessing and completing alcohol dependence treatment in primary care. Interviews and coding were conducted by three researchers to reduce bias, and data saturation was indicated by recurrence of themes. The study is limited by its single geographic area, a predominantly white participant sample, and the absence of systematic data on alcohol use history and dependence severity. Findings suggest clear opportunities to strengthen primary care provision for timely intervention in alcohol-related issues.
