Author: Benger J, Carter R
Journal: Emergency Medical Journal, 2008
Volume/pages: Vol 25, pp331-334

About the study
The study aimed to establish the number of adults and children attending the emergency departments in Bristol for alcohol-related reasons and the investigate the ways of collecting and sharing anonymised data with a range of other agencies in order to promote a coordinated approach to reducing the harms associated with excess alcohol consumption. Agencies involved in this collaboration included health, social services, the police, university experts and local authorities.

Findings
The study found that by pooling information held by health and the police they were able to build a much clearer picture of the scale of the problem and develop possible interventions. It was noted that, on comparison, the data collected within the emergency departments was strikingly similar to that collected and held by police on city centre premises that were know trouble-spots. This enabled the police to target specific pubs and clubs and, in some cases, alcohol-related incidents reduced as a result.

Key messages

• The pooling of data and collaboration between key agencies created a clearer picture of the extent of the problem and suggested strategies for intervention.