The challenge
NECS worked with North East and North Cumbria (NENC) ICS to support a project which aimed to improve the recording of alcohol screening and brief advice in primary care settings. This would be achieved by utilising a population health management approach and engaging with PCNs to analyse the data and intelligence available to understand and respond to the needs of the population.
Our response
NECS utilised the data available within RAIDR’s Primary Care dashboard to analyse the links between co-morbidities and alcohol, and to identify of specific cohorts of the population with lower alcohol consumption rates recorded. This took into consideration deprivation, co-morbidities, age and gender.
The dashboard was then used, based on criteria identified, to case find patients without documentation of alcohol consumptions or brief advice (IBA). IBA is an evidenced based intervention to help recognise people who are at risk due to their drinking early on – to hopefully prevent the development of serious issues or hospital admission.
Discussions were then held to evaluate methods of engagement for maximum impact.

Outcomes
NENC ICB reported that the recordings of alcohol consumption increased within primary care and there was also a two-fold increase in brief advice delivery compared with the control PCN.
- 27,760 new individuals screened for alcohol
- 3,195 increased risk drinkers identified
- 15,728 additional people receiving IBA.
Staff feedback is positive and the majority are happy with the approach and are keen to continue with the programme.
RAIDR has developed functionality within the Primary Care dashboard which will enable other PCNs to undertake a similar approach without the need for additional analytical support.
“RAIDR really helped to drive up screening and brief interventions – linking GPs and PCNs with community services.”