[Auditing the performance of the physician facing patient alcohol consumption].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the Primary Care doctor's performance when faced with his/her patients' alcohol consumption.


METHODS
Retrospective evaluation of data on procedures by means of explicit normative criteria and implicit check-up of those not complying.


METHODS
Urban health centre.


METHODS
A random and institutionally based sample, over a week, of patients of both sexes who came for a general medical consultation (eleven blocks) without prior appointment.


RESULTS
110 clinical histories were evaluated. 60% were not asked about alcohol consumption. In the cases of those who were asked, the amount consumed was specified. Excessive consumption was recorded in the notes as a health risk factor in 87%. A liver profile was requested for 62%. Advice to give up or reduce alcohol consumption was given in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Poor compliance with the assessment criteria chosen justifies the implementation of the corrective measures proper to quality control methodology. We underline the importance of generalizing the implementation of the Programme of Preventive Activities in Primary Care and the need to improve health professionals' training and motivation on the question.
Delgado
M T
MT
Unidad Docente de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria, Centro de Salud Actur, Zaragoza.
Altisent
R
R
Gómez
C
C
Vitoria
A
A
Ferrández
C
C
Bielsa
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
Auditoría de la actuación ante el consumo de alcohol.